Zelenskyy does not understand what else Ukraine needs for EU membership

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, believes that Ukraine deserves European Union membership and that this can be achieved quickly.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with DIE ZEIT

Quote: "This can be done quickly. Ukraine is already very closely integrated with the European Union.

"Without any doubt our people value freedom and democracy. We have proved it even in a full-scale war. What else is required?

"If Ukraine becomes a member, the European Union will gain a nation that is currently a key fighter on the continent for freedom, democracy, equality, and consequently for Europe. For Ukraine it [membership] would mean the end of a very long journey to the European community, where we historically belong."

Background:

EU leaders are set to promise support for Ukraine at an informal summit on Thursday, according to media reports. However, leaders are unlikely to offer Ukraine accelerated EU membership.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, said that he does not see the possibility of Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU, arguing that such an accelerated accession procedure does not exist.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was waiting for a definite signal from EU leaders on Thursday, 10 March. He added that Ukraine is ready to work with those EU countries that are currently sceptical about Ukraine's integration.