Zelenskyy says ‘time is right’ for Ukraine to start process of joining EU
Al Jazeera • • general
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged EU leaders to start Ukraine's accession process, criticizing the proposal for associate membership as "unfair" since it would deny Ukraine voting rights and limit its influence.
- Following the ousting of Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who blocked Ukraine’s EU bid, Kyiv has intensified efforts to join the bloc amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
- Russia accused Ukraine of a deadly strike on a dormitory in Starobilsk, resulting in multiple casualties, while Ukraine denied targeting civilians and claimed it hit a military drone command unit instead.
- Ukraine has conducted attacks deep inside Russia, including hitting a chemical plant in the Perm region and oil infrastructure in Yaroslavl and Novorossiysk, disrupting military supply chains.
- Zelenskyy reported reclaiming nearly 600 square kilometers of territory this year and estimated significant Russian military losses, asserting that increased Ukrainian gains and sanctions are pushing Russia toward negotiations.