Ukraine signalled its readiness for fast-track European Union membership in Kyiv on Tuesday (24 February), as European leaders pledged continued political and financial backing and insisted Russia would gain nothing at the negotiating table.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opened his address by thanking European nations for their sustained support in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Europe has stood with us throughout these difficult years, and our people trust Europe. They know we are not alone. In many ways, all of this is thanks to your personal efforts, your work and friendship,” he said.
However, Zelenskyy cautioned that there was “still much to be done” as the war enters its fifth year.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for accelerated EU membership despite anticipating obstruction from Moscow.
"That's why we know we don't want to have the same (as) we have now," he said, highlighting the ongoing challenges Ukrainians face after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
"That's why they will do it. But we are ready for fast-track, we are ready for reforms," he added, underscoring Kyiv’s determination to meet EU accession criteria.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of a security guarantee for Ukraine and expressed hope that the country could join the EU by 2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment, stating that the EU has provided Ukraine with €200 billion in military and financial assistance - “more than any other partner”.
She announced an urgent €90 billion “steel porcupine” loan aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The funding, she explained, would support “the production, development and securing of advanced defence equipment for the brave Ukrainian forces, ranging from drones and missiles to ammunition”.
Zelenskyy said he had also discussed changes to EU legislation with von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa that would allow Ukraine to stop Russian tankers and seize the oil they transport, adding: “It’s doable.”
He stressed that the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia must be “strong and efficient” and adopted as soon as possible.
European Council President António Costa insisted that Moscow must not secure any concessions in future negotiations.
“Russia must come to the negotiation table in a serious way and accept that it will not win this war,” Costa said.
“After four years of aggression, Ukraine has held firm and Russia has not achieved its objectives,” he added, describing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter as “unacceptable.”
Zelenskyy called for the swift adoption of the 20th EU sanctions package and highlighted new Ukrainian measures targeting Russian maritime operations and defence supply chains.
European leaders reiterated that their political and financial support for Kyiv would continue, maintaining that Russia would not be allowed to translate battlefield aggression into diplomatic advantage.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Power was fully or partly cut across the Russian-held part of Ukraine’s Kherson region early on Friday (26 June), according to the Moscow-installed governor Vladimir Saldo.
The Kremlin has denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming Moscow is pressuring Belarus to support an expanded Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
Venezuela’s government said on Saturday that 1,600 foreign rescue personnel have arrived to assist in the search for survivors of the devastating twin earthquakes that killed more than 900 people this week.
Australia said it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a groundbreaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Ukrainian-made Flamingo missiles hit a plant producing artillery systems and components for missile launch systems in Russia's Volgograd region overnight, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday.
A light aircraft crash into a high-rise building in Beijing's Chaoyang district on Friday killed one person and injured 13, the district government said on Saturday in a statement posted on its social media account.
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