Key facts
- President Zelenskyy urged EU leaders to grant Ukraine fast-track membership at a summit.
- He argued Ukraine's sacrifices and defense efforts make it uniquely deserving of accelerated EU accession.
- Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine's defense is crucial for the future security of Europe.
- He requested assistance with air defense missiles and fuel for the upcoming winter.
- Hungary successfully removed a reference to accelerating Ukraine's accession from a European Council statement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implored European Union leaders at a summit on Thursday to grant Ukraine fast-track membership, asserting that the nation's sacrifices and defense efforts are crucial for the bloc's future security. He stated that Ukraine has paid more than any other country for its right to be free and independent, and that its defense is shaping the future of a free, united, and peaceful Europe.
Zelenskiy also urged EU leaders to help Kyiv prepare for another winter by providing air defense missiles and fuel, noting that Russia's President Vladimir Putin is not interested in agreeing to a peace deal. He highlighted Ukraine's military capabilities, including recent airstrikes deep inside Russia, as proof of its strength.
While EU ambassadors agreed to advance membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, Hungary successfully pushed to remove language about accelerating accession from a European Council statement. Zelenskyy acknowledged that not all member states would support an accelerated path.
Kyiv's partners announced $4 billion in new aid for Ukraine, and nine countries committed $1 billion to buy Patriot missiles. Zelenskyy also called for the disbursement of 6 billion euros from an EU fund intended to uphold international security.