Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed EU leaders at a Brussels summit, urging an expedited accession process for Ukraine, emphasizing that the nation has endured the greatest sacrifices in pursuing European integration.
He emphasized that Ukraine deserves EU membership because it has sacrificed more than any other European nation to secure its freedom, independence, and European identity.
He further noted that the principle of national sovereignty extends to all countries seeking freedom from Russian domination.
Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s extensive combat experience, asserting that its robust defence capabilities are essential for Europe’s security and could expedite its own EU candidacy.
In a subsequent WhatsApp transmission to journalists, he noted that EU leaders acknowledged the unparalleled strength of Ukraine’s armed forces and the valuable expertise they bring to the alliance.
He proclaimed that, in practice, Ukraine now constitutes NATO’s second‑largest army, rivaling the world’s second‑strongest military, and therefore uniquely qualifies for formal NATO membership.
“The future of a free, united, and peaceful Europe is being forged on the front lines of our defence,” he told the assembly, underscoring the uniqueness of Ukraine’s circumstances.
He also advocated for a European ballistic missile program, framing it as a Ukrainian‑initiated effort that Kyiv intends to pursue despite technical and political obstacles.
“Europe must develop its own ballistic capabilities,” he asserted. “This is urgent. Ukraine will not relent; we will achieve this, a goal that began as our initiative and has now become a collaborative endeavor with our partners.”
“We have survived Orbán”
Following the recent Hungarian elections, Zelenskyy observed that the political landscape presents a fresh opportunity to deepen EU‑Ukraine relations, particularly with the attendance of newly installed Prime Minister Péter Magyar at the summit.
He added that Ukraine has preserved its dignity and “survived Orbán,” referencing former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s obstructionist stance on Ukraine’s financing and accession.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to neighboring states — Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia — for their support of Ukraine’s European ambitions, reaffirming a commitment to mutual respect.
He reiterated that, for Kyiv, “being a good neighbour is more than rhetoric,” in reference to the delicate matter of Hungarian minorities within Ukraine.
Although no bilateral meeting with Magyar occurred, the two exchanged a brief conversation, an official said. Zelenskyy also met with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico in Brussels and Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev, who voiced opposition to sanctions on Russia that would jeopardize his nation’s interests.
“Putin is a madman” who wants “Ukraine to go up in flames”
Zelenskyy told journalists in a post‑summit voice message that Vladimir Putin does not seek an end to the conflict, a reality now widely acknowledged.
“His declarations of peace are false,” he said, noting that all European partners share this perception and are convinced that collective action will deter him.
He reaffirmed his willingness to engage in negotiations with the Kremlin, even as he asserted that Putin is unwilling to talk, describing the Russian president as a “madman” whose agenda seeks to devastate Ukraine. “He wants everything in our country to go up in flames, and he is a madman — our partners feel that,” he said.
He added that Putin is unlikely to vacate the Kremlin or alter his objectives, stating that the Russian leader intends to restore the Soviet Union, a goal that necessarily includes Ukraine.
Also Read
- Stocks extend gains for fourth straight session – Dawn
- Saudi Human Rights Commission Conducts Training Program on Women’s Rights with UN Collaboration
- Andy Burnham: The Rising Political Force Eyeing Britain’s Prime Ministerial Throne
- Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing Faces Intensifying Pressure from China After Military Takeover
