Zelenskyy Expects Strong EU Political Decisions on Ukraine's Membership This Summer

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced important political decisions from the European Union regarding Ukraine's future membership, expected this summer. He made this statement at a press conference with his Estonian counterpart, Alar Karis.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has fulfilled all necessary conditions to open six clusters in the negotiations for EU accession. He announced progress on this issue at upcoming meetings of EU leaders, noting that «there are no obstacles, and it is important that this progress occurs, that the clusters are opened, and that the Russians also see it. They should see that Europe keeps its promises and does not surrender its European interests».

The President also called on the EU to continue sanction pressure on Russia, specifically by approving the 21st package of sanctions, which should target Russia's «shadow fleet». According to «European Pravda», the opening of the first cluster, «Fundamentals», in the accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova is scheduled for June 15. European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, previously assured in Kyiv that Ukraine should integrate into the EU even before full membership.

It is worth noting that Hungary had long blocked Ukraine's progress towards the EU, and this veto was overcome only after a change in the country's prime minister. «European Pravda» reported that Hungary lifted its veto on the opening of clusters in negotiations with Ukraine.