Korniyenko made a forecast regarding Ukraine's accession to NATO.

Ukraine may first become a NATO member and then join the EU - Korniyenko

The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korniyenko, stated that according to the dynamics of the negotiation process regarding European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Ukraine may first gain full-fledged NATO membership and then join the EU.

He made this statement during a "geopolitical dialogue" at the European Policy Center in Brussels, reports Ukrinform.

"I wouldn't want to assume the ungrateful role of Cassandra. But as I expect, we will become NATO members faster than members of the European Union. This is related to certain traditions regarding EU enlargement," Korniyenko emphasized.

He reported that he arrived in Brussels with a delegation for negotiations on continuing the screening of Ukrainian legislation for compliance with European legal standards. This is an important condition for obtaining EU membership. Ukraine understands that achievements by each candidate country are necessary for EU enlargement and is ready to work to complete this path.

Korniyenko noted that all waves of EU enlargement occurred after European elections. The next elections will be held in 2029. Therefore, the next opportunity for EU enlargement could open after these elections to the European Parliament. Ukraine is ready for this development, but it is difficult to predict the decisions of the member countries. "Five years in politics is a very long time," he added.