Volodimir Zelenskiy addressed European Union leaders in Brussels, urging them to accelerate Ukraine's EU accession process. Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine has paid a heavier price than other European countries for its right to be free, independent, and European.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that this sacrifice strengthens his country's membership bid. He argued that Ukraine's military experience is critical not only for its own security but also for Europe's future.
In a voice message shared with journalists after the meeting, Zelenskiy said European leaders acknowledged that the Ukrainian army is the strongest in Europe. According to him, this experience is a key factor that could speed up Kyiv's EU journey.
Zelenskiy also claimed that Ukraine currently functions as NATO's second strongest army. For this reason, he stated that both NATO and Europe need Ukraine.
In his remarks in Brussels, Zelenskiy said Europe's defense capacity will be decisive in the future, and that the continent's freedom, unity, and peace depend on defense choices. He also stressed the need for Europe to develop its own ballistic missile capabilities.
Zelenskiy noted that this program began at Ukraine's initiative and, despite challenges, Kyiv will not abandon the project. He emphasized that building Europe's own ballistic capabilities is an urgent matter.
The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that following the April elections in Hungary, a new opportunity has arisen to strengthen relations between the European Union and Ukraine. Pointing to Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, attending the meeting for the first time, Zelenskiy said relations between the EU and Ukraine could deepen.
He referred to the veto stance of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, stating that Ukraine has not compromised its dignity. Zelenskiy thanked neighboring countries Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia for their support and said Ukraine remains committed to mutual respect.
Indirectly addressing the Hungarian minority issue in Ukraine, the leader said good neighborliness is more than just words for Kyiv. He also met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Bulgaria's military representative Rumen Radev in Bratislava.
Speaking strongly about Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskiy said it is clear to everyone that Putin does not want to end the war. He claimed Putin's statements about wanting peace are lies and said Ukraine's allies are aware of this.
Nevertheless, Zelenskiy reiterated his readiness to negotiate with the Kremlin. He said Putin will not leave power voluntarily and that the Russian president wants to restore the Soviet Union, which is impossible without Ukraine.
