Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the European Union to break the deadlock caused by Hungary’s veto and move forward with Ukraine’s accession talks, stressing that European integration remains Kyiv’s top priority.
Speaking on Thursday in Rome at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to open all negotiation clusters with the EU under Denmark’s presidency. He urged Brussels to find a solution to Hungary’s objections, which have delayed Kyiv’s progress towards membership.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly argued that admitting a country at war would pose a serious risk to the bloc’s stability.
On the sidelines of the conference, Zelenskyy met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. He thanked them for a fresh support package worth more than €2 billion ($2.33 billion) and welcomed the creation of a new reconstruction fund to help attract investment into Ukraine.
Beyond the EU discussions, Zelenskyy held separate meetings with several European leaders. After talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he praised Berlin’s military backing, particularly in air defence systems. He also underlined Germany’s role in helping Ukraine expand drone production, describing Germany as a “decisive” partner in advancing Ukraine’s EU bid.
In meetings with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Zelenskyy discussed energy security, joint drone production, and further political support. He thanked Bulgaria for joining the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” and backing Ukraine’s European course.
He also met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, highlighting Poland’s importance as a key transit hub and a partner in joint defence initiatives.
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy attended a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, with representatives from 32 countries and organisations. For the first time, US figures including General Keith Kellogg and Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal took part.
“It is important that the Coalition is working for Ukraine’s security today and long-term protection tomorrow,” said Zelenskyy.
Ukraine is determined to move closer to Europe, with Zelenskyy calling for no more delays.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday...
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday for a four-day visit focused on artificial intelligence, the future of...
Ukrainian soldier’s daughter asks when he is coming home as war keeps families apart....
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained low on Thursday, as Iran reiterated that it will neither enter into new negotiations with the United States nor re-open the Strait as long as its conditions are not met, despite recent indirect talks in New York mediated by Qatar.
As the Ukraine war is highlighted by some leaders during the United Nations' 81st General Assembly meeting in New York, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Thursday with ballistic missiles, killing two people and injuring six, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will hold an urgent high-level meeting under a joint defence pact to discuss ways to support the kingdom amid attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The meeting comes as Tehran seeks to distance itself from the rapid advance of its Houthi allies.
The 81st UN General Assembly has wrapped up its third day in New York on Thursday, with world leaders delivering high-level speeches and holding diplomatic meetings.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday for the fourth day of the high-level General Debate, with speeches and diplomatic meetings continuing throughout the day.
World leaders return to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday for the fourth day of the high-level General Debate, with speeches and diplomatic meetings continuing throughout the day.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in France on Friday for a four-day visit focused on artificial intelligence, the future of Europe, peace and the Catholic Church's response to its abuse crisis.
Ukrainian soldier’s daughter asks when he is coming home as war keeps families apart.
Finland and Sweden deployed fighter aircraft on Thursday after a group of Russian military planes was detected over the Gulf of Finland, the Finnish Air Force reported on Friday (25 September).
The Middle East arrived at the United Nations this week with the consequences of a war that is no longer contained to one front. From Israel and Iran to Syria and Yemen, leaders have used the General Assembly to set out competing positions on the situation in the region.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment