“There have been rumors, and for now I’m being very cautious,” Zelenskyy told reporters on Feb. 11. He warned that Moscow will attempt to derail Kyiv’s membership in the bloc even after the war is over.
“I’ve said Ukraine will do everything to be technically ready to join by 2027, at least the main things. I want a concrete date. I am confident that if a [peace] treaty signed by the United States, Russia—meaning by [Russian dictator Vladimir] Putin—and me as president of Ukraine; and Europe does not include a date [of accession], Russia will do everything to block the process, not even with its own hands but through certain [political forces] in Europe.”
The president said Ukraine faced “a wave of difficulties and struggle” but nevertheless became a candidate for EU membership. He acknowledged, however, that progress on specific negotiations has been harder.
“For us, the EU is about specifics,” he said.
“Security guarantees are specifics with a concrete date, and my signature today on a 20