Zelenskyy says ‘time is right’ for Ukraine to start process of joining EU
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Published 5/23/2026, 10:10:13 AM · Updated 5/23/2026, 1:32:29 PMBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
- His comments come as both Kyiv and Moscow try to advance their interests on the battlefield.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told European Union leaders that now is the time to begin the process of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, describing a proposal for associate membership as “unfair”.
- Zelenskyy said in a letter to EU leaders on Friday that associate membership would leave Ukraine “voiceless” because it would not have voting rights, which would prevent Kyiv from advancing its interests, the Reuters news agency reported.
- Ukraine has intensified efforts to join the EU after Hungary’s former prime minister, Viktor Orban, was ousted in parliamentary elections last month.
- Under Orban, who maintained close ties with Russia, Budapest repeatedly used its veto power to block Ukraine’s accession bid and stalled approval of aid for Kyiv.
Published May 23, 2026.
Quick Summary
His comments come as both Kyiv and Moscow try to advance their interests on the battlefield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told European Union leaders
Why It Matters
This development is important because it may impact public opinion, policy decisions, and future developments related to Zelenskyy says ‘time is right’ for Ukraine to start process.
Key Takeaways
- His comments come as both Kyiv and Moscow try to advance their interests on the battlefield.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told European Union leaders that now is the time to begin the process of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, describing a proposal for associate membership as “unfair”.
- Zelenskyy said in a letter to EU leaders on Friday that associate membership would leave Ukraine “voiceless” because it would not have voting rights, which would prevent Kyiv from advancing its interests, the Reuters news agency reported.
- Ukraine has intensified efforts to join the EU after Hungary’s former prime minister, Viktor Orban, was ousted in parliamentary elections last month.
- Under Orban, who maintained close ties with Russia, Budapest repeatedly used its veto power to block Ukraine’s accession bid and stalled approval of aid for Kyiv.
📌 Source: Al Jazeera
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