Zelenskyy: Ukraine must have "full and equal" place in EU
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is insisting that Ukraine must have a "full and equal" place in the European Union.
Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 23 May, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Zelenskyy said active diplomatic work is ongoing with Kyiv's partners in the European Union to bring Ukraine closer to EU membership.
Quote: "Ukraine is fighting for its life, for its independence and for the Europe that has lived in peace the longest, that protects people, life and culture, and that, thanks to this protection, plays a truly global role.
There can be no complete European project without Ukraine, and Ukraine's place in the European Union must also be complete – full and equal."
More details: Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of negotiating clusters being opened and meaningful progress in the accession talks.
Previously: Zelenskyy's address comes as Reuters reported on a letter he sent to EU leaders on 22 May. The President's Office has confirmed the existence of the letter.
According to Reuters, Zelenskyy said in the letter that a proposal by Germany to grant Ukraine "associate member" status in the EU is unfair, as it would deny Kyiv voting rights within the EU.
Reuters quoted Zelenskyy's letter as saying that "it would be unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union, but remain voiceless. The time is right to move forward with Ukraine's membership in a full and meaningful way".
Background: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz earlier proposed allowing Ukraine to attend EU meetings without voting rights as an interim step towards full EU membership.
Read more: No guarantees, no rights: why Ukraine should reject Merz's EU "associate membership" plan
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