Ukraine’s EU membership is matter of war and peace in Europe, FM Sybiha says

He said this at a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

The diplomat urged the EU to take decisive action against Russia, emphasizing the need for devastating sanctions, particularly targeting banks, energy, the shadow fleet, and oil. Sybiha also recalled that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin rejects peace and escalates terror.

Sybiha highlighted the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defense, particularly air defense systems, missiles, artillery, and drones, and called for investment in the defense industry.

He also stressed the need to accelerate Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

“Once it becomes a member, Ukraine will significantly strengthen the EU in various areas, including security and foreign policy, technology, digitalization, and energy. New steps to accelerate Ukraine’s EU accession talks are now critically important as a source of inspiration for the Ukrainian people, especially our soldiers, in the face of Russian terror and aggression,” said Sybiha.

The minister separately emphasized the interconnection of global threats — from Moscow to Tehran — and thanked EU countries for supporting Ukraine.

Ukraine’s EU accession: what is known

On February 28, 2022, Ukraine submitted a request to the European Union for immediate accession through a special procedure.

On June 23, 2022, Ukraine received candidate status for EU membership.

On November 8, 2023, the European Commission recommended starting the process of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

On February 21, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the negotiation framework for Ukraine’s accession to the EU would be ready by early summer — after the European elections.

On June 21, the Council of the European Union officially confirmed the negotiation frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova regarding their accession to the bloc.

On June 25, Ukraine and Moldova launched accession negotiations with the EU.

On October 30, the European Commission announced that it is ready to open the first negotiation clusters with Ukraine in 2025, provided that the necessary conditions are met.

On April 9, 2025, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine had already fulfilled 81% of its obligations under the EU Association Agreement. Later, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated that by the end of 2025, all negotiation clusters on Ukraine’s EU accession could be opened.