Ukraine peace plan could feature rapid EU membership — Die Welt
Ukrainian Armed Forces (Photo: twitter.com GeneralStaffUA)
In European political circles, possible parameters of a future peace agreement around Ukraine are being discussed. Among the options are accelerating the country’s accession to the EU and providing additional security guarantees, reports Die Welt.
Read also: President Zelenskyy speaks about foreign troops deployment on Ukraine's frontlines
Possible negotiation format
Diplomatic circles are discussing a scenario in which Ukraine could make territorial concessions within a potential peace settlement. In return, the country could receive the prospect of accelerated accession to the European Union in the coming years.
According to European officials, the United States, which is acting as a mediator in the negotiations, is promoting a model under which Kyiv would receive security guarantees and political support, while Russia could retain control over a significant part of Donbas.
What is being discussed in Brussels
Diplomats in Brussels note that the Ukrainian leadership will need a strong argument to convince society to accept possible concessions. One such factor could be an accelerated process of joining the EU.
The discussions mention 2027 as a potential target date for membership. However, many sources consider this timeframe unlikely and name the period between 2028 and 2030 as more realistic.
Challenges of accelerated accession
At the same time, European institutions acknowledge that speeding up the process will not be easy. Current enlargement procedures require fulfilling a large number of conditions. These include reforms, fighting corruption, and strengthening the rule of law.
Diplomatic circles emphasize that any political decision must take into account existing accession rules, as well as the willingness of EU countries to support such a step. Therefore, the final parameters of a possible agreement remain subject to negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is under pressure from the United States and Russia to transfer Donbas to Moscow as part of possible peace settlement agreements.
Ukrainian forces managed to regain control of about 300 square kilometers of territory in the southern direction, pushing back Russian units. According to him, the advance occurred specifically in this sector of the front.
