Ukraine’s EU accession could be fast-tracked: Zelenskyy names key condition

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s entry into the European Union could be significantly accelerated.

He made the remarks during an interview with journalists.

The head of state emphasized that the pace of integration depends on specific steps taken by the Ukrainian government and EU member-state leaders, provided the process does not face political obstacles.

According to the president, Ukraine fully understands the logic of the requirements related to legislative changes and internal reforms. However, he stressed that political blockades unrelated to the country’s readiness for accession are unacceptable.

Zelenskyy said that information on who is creating artificial barriers to Kyiv’s path is public. He highlighted that some EU members are slowing the process for political reasons, ignoring Ukraine’s real progress in aligning its legislation with EU standards.

Why EU membership matters for Ukraine

The president views European integration not just as an economic or political project. For Ukraine, it is an essential part of security guarantees, complementing agreements with key allies, including the United States.

«For us, membership in the European Union represents security guarantees—not only economic, but also political and geopolitical. While we expect concrete details from the U.S. regarding the guarantees we are currently pursuing, from the European Union it is precisely the assured membership that matters, ” he emphasized.

The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of setting clear timelines for accession. While the final decision rests with EU leaders, Ukraine insists that the process should not be influenced externally, particularly by Russia or by forces seeking to block the country’s development.