Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is on the verge of completing the technical preparations necessary to commence negotiations with the European Union regarding its accession. He emphasized the importance of this process, asserting that an official confirmation of a timeline for Ukraine's EU membership would significantly enhance the country's security as it continues to engage in peace talks with Moscow over the ongoing war.

Zelensky called on EU partners to agree on a definitive date for Ukraine's integration into the Union. He expressed a sense of urgency, mentioning that while Ukraine is ready to move forward, there appears to be hesitance among various EU leaders regarding granting Ukraine this pivotal opportunity. This political dynamics underscore the challenges faced by Ukraine in its quest for EU membership, especially in the context of its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukraine officially became a candidate for EU membership shortly after the Russian invasion in February 2022, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy direction. However, progress through the EU's existing accession process has faced several delays, raising concerns about the long-term implications for Ukraine's geopolitical stability and the support from European allies needed to bolster its defense against external threats.