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.

Fast-track EU membership

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.

EU pledges unprecedented support 

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”.

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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.

No gains for Russia at the negotiating table

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.”

Sanctions and strategic measures

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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