Ukraine Meets Conditions for EU Membership Negotiations, Says Zelensky
President Zelensky emphasizes urgency for a clear decision on EU accession while tensions escalate with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Wednesday that Ukraine has fulfilled all conditions necessary to initiate negotiations for membership in the European Union.
He called for a decisive resolution regarding Ukraine's EU aspirations within the year.
Zelensky remarked that delaying Ukraine's accession to both the EU and NATO represents a misallocation of time for the entire continent.
In related developments, U.S. NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker commented on Ukraine's recent significant drone strikes targeting strategic bombers in Russian airbases, describing the operation as 'powerful' but also 'reckless and somewhat dangerous.' During a discussion in Brussels, Whitaker addressed President Donald Trump's characterization of the attack as 'fierce,' affirming that while it was indeed a show of strength, the recklessness of the approach raises concerns.
The backdrop to these developments includes a tragic escalation in violence, with three fatalities and over 60 injuries reported from Russian strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, early Wednesday.
Peace negotiations have stagnated amid ongoing conflict.
Zelensky has urged Western nations not to hesitate in responding to the recent assaults, asserting that such action would compel Moscow to engage in 'genuine diplomacy' to conclude the ongoing war.
He highlighted that the situation's resolution largely depends on the United States.
However, in recent weeks, President Biden has distanced himself from direct involvement in the conflict, drawing a comparison between the Russian invasion of Ukraine—which began in 2022—and children fighting, implying a potential allowance for the continuation of hostilities.
He called for a decisive resolution regarding Ukraine's EU aspirations within the year.
Zelensky remarked that delaying Ukraine's accession to both the EU and NATO represents a misallocation of time for the entire continent.
In related developments, U.S. NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker commented on Ukraine's recent significant drone strikes targeting strategic bombers in Russian airbases, describing the operation as 'powerful' but also 'reckless and somewhat dangerous.' During a discussion in Brussels, Whitaker addressed President Donald Trump's characterization of the attack as 'fierce,' affirming that while it was indeed a show of strength, the recklessness of the approach raises concerns.
The backdrop to these developments includes a tragic escalation in violence, with three fatalities and over 60 injuries reported from Russian strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, early Wednesday.
Peace negotiations have stagnated amid ongoing conflict.
Zelensky has urged Western nations not to hesitate in responding to the recent assaults, asserting that such action would compel Moscow to engage in 'genuine diplomacy' to conclude the ongoing war.
He highlighted that the situation's resolution largely depends on the United States.
However, in recent weeks, President Biden has distanced himself from direct involvement in the conflict, drawing a comparison between the Russian invasion of Ukraine—which began in 2022—and children fighting, implying a potential allowance for the continuation of hostilities.
