Head of the European Commission: Negotiations with Zelensky in Kyiv will finalize the assessment of Ukraine's application for EU membership

Talks were held in Kyiv between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The main topic of discussion was Ukraine's application to join the European Union. Following the results, the interlocutors held a joint briefing.

– Today's discussions will allow us to finalize our assessment by the end of next week. The path is known, it is the path of merit. This is the path where I highly appreciate the extraordinary determination of the Ukrainians in this process, – said von der Leyen.

The head of the European Commission noted the steps that Ukraine has taken in recent years. At the same time, she stressed that “results are needed,” and the Ukrainian authorities need to move forward in strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption.

More needs to be done. Do not misunderstand me. War in Ukraine. So your focus and our support is on overcoming this terrible war. But we want to look ahead. And with reconstruction, we want to look ahead as to what needs to be done next. For example, you have done a lot to strengthen the rule of law, but there are still reforms that should be implemented in order to, for example, overcome corruption, the politician said.

“The EU response to Ukraine's application for membership will show whether there does Europe have a future”

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the response of the European Union to Ukraine's application to join the bloc will show whether the European project has a future at all.

– Now, of course, a decisive time not only for Ukraine, but also for the European Union and for the entire European continent. It is now that the future of a united Europe is being determined and whether it will be a future at all,” he said.

According to him, Russia’s main “target” is Europe, and the invasion of Ukraine is only the first stage of Moscow’s aggression.

– That is why the positive response of the EU to the Ukrainian application for membership can become a positive answer to the question of whether the European project has a future at all, the head of state emphasized.

As the president noted, it is Ukraine is now protecting Europe, therefore, the European project cannot be completed without our state.