Ukraine’s EU membership is key to Europe’s security future, Zelenskyy tells Brussels.

Why Ukraine matters for European security

According to Espreso.tv: Volodymyr Zelenskyy has underscored Ukraine’s critical role in safeguarding Europe’s security and urged the European Union to grant his country full membership. Despite the immense pressure of war with Russia, he stressed that Ukraine must still push forward with economic and legal reforms to qualify for EU accession.

The Ukrainian president sent letters to European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. In his appeal, Zelenskyy warned that if the EU fails to admit Ukraine, Moscow could interpret the hesitation as a green light for continued aggression.

“If Europe does not do this, Russia will see it as an opportunity,” the president emphasized.

The urgent case for Ukraine’s EU integration

Zelenskyy also argued that

“it would be unjust for Ukraine to be present in the European Union yet remain voiceless,”

Ukraine’s armed forces have been actively sharing battlefield experience with allied nations. On May 24, Russia launched two Oreshnik missiles at Ukraine, once again demonstrating the persistent threat the country faces. In this context, Ukraine’s integration into the EU becomes even more pressing.

Zelenskyy’s calls reflect not only Ukraine’s drive for European integration but also the country’s strategic importance to regional stability. Gaining EU membership could be a vital step in bolstering stability within Ukraine and deterring further Russian aggression. Amid an ongoing war and constant threats from its neighbor, Ukraine must undoubtedly strengthen its standing on the international stage.