Zelensky Responds to Putin’s Comments on Kyiv’s EU Membership
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that while Russian President Vladimir Putin does not oppose Ukraine joining the European Union, the stance of Russia’s “friends,” particularly Hungary, on this issue is puzzling.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Zelensky remarked: “We are finally receiving signals from Russia indicating their acceptance of Ukraine’s EU membership. it is regrettable that they acknowledge this reality only after so much delay.” He noted that Russia has been moving toward this simple fact since 2013 but now some of Russia’s other major allies in Europe must also come to terms with it. “If even Putin has no objection,” he added, “then the position of other countries-especially Hungary-regarding key negotiations (on EU accession) truly seems strange.”
Zelensky claimed there is now consensus about Ukraine’s future EU membership. He stressed: “It is important for everyone to consider Ukraine as part of the European Union. Joining this bloc represents a significant opportunity and a security guarantee-both economically and geopolitically.” He expressed gratitude to all who view the matter from this perspective and noted that the United States supports it as well, emphasizing that security in Europe should be a shared goal among Europeans.
Referring to discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump on European energy security, Zelensky added: ”Yesterday I had an extensive conversation with Trump regarding energy security and ways to reduce Russian revenues. Trump disapproves strongly that Europeans continue buying Russian oil and gas.” He specified that this criticism applies especially to policies pursued by some European countries such as Slovakia, Hungary, and possibly others.”I will discuss these matters today with slovakia’s Prime Minister,” Zelensky said.
The president stated: ”Legally speaking, we are implementing recommendations from the European Commission concerning Ukraine’s accession process. Therefore, I do not see any valid basis for accusations against Ukraine by Hungary in this regard. There is no reason to block the start of accession negotiations.”
The Ukrainian media pointed out that Hungary remains the only EU member opposing launching formal accession talks with Ukraine despite 26 other members agreeing during their June 26 summit (July 5 Gregorian calendar) to proceed.
The EU accession negotiations are divided into 35 chapters grouped into six clusters. Each chapter opens sequentially based on progress made by the applicant country.
At the Eastern economic Forum in vladivostok, Putin stated that from Russia’s viewpoint Kyiv joining NATO would be entirely unacceptable; however, he considers Ukraine’s membership in the European Union its legitimate right.
