Ukraine's EU membership talks must commence in June, Zelenskyy says

As Zelenskyy revealed, he had a conversation today with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. They discussed Ukraine's defense support and relations with the European Union.

"We are preparing for the European Council meeting and for important European decisions this year. Economic decisions, including the extension of Ukraine's trade liberalization with the EU, are one of the crucial elements of our resilience in the face of Russian aggression. And we are also preparing political decisions. In particular, it is crucial for us in Ukraine and for all of Europe that real negotiations on Ukraine's membership start in June without delay. This will be the right political signal that Europe is strong enough and will not succumb to Russian pressure," Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's EU accession process

In December of last year, the leaders of EU member states at a summit in Brussels approved the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

In fact, negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU have not yet begun, as there is currently a screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with EU requirements, and a negotiation framework is being formed.

The European Commission has already approved a negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

As previously stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, negotiations could start in the spring.