On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the European Parliament, emphasizing the urgent need for the European Union to provide a definitive date for Ukraine's membership. He articulated that having a clear timeline for accession would be crucial for Ukraine's strategic and security interests in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky warned that without such guarantees, Russian President Vladimir Putin might seek to prolong Ukraine's isolation and destabilize Europe further by sowing divisions among EU member states.

Zelensky's appeal highlights the broader context of Ukraine's aspirations for EU integration, which have gained momentum since the war began. The conflict has not only galvanized domestic support for joining the EU but has also reshaped perceptions within the EU regarding Ukraine's place in Europe. The Ukrainian leadership seeks to ensure that the door to EU membership remains open as a means of solidifying its ties to Europe and rejecting any encroachment from Russia.

This call for a clear timeline reflects the urgency that Ukraine feels in the face of ongoing aggression and serves as a reminder of the geopolitical stakes involved. With EU membership seen as a vital step towards both economic recovery and security for Ukraine, Zelensky's remarks aim to encourage EU leaders to act decisively and signal their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s European ambitions.