Ukraine must be ready to join EU after war – Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna

Ukraine seeks negotiations on joining the European Union to ensure it is prepared and in the optimum position to become an EU member when the war ends

It was stated during the Espresso broadcast by Olga Stefanishyna, the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine.

"When we win, Ukraine can become a NATO member very quickly. I can confirm that such a decision only requires the political consensus of all 30 allies," she said.

She added that the decision to join the EU should be primarily in the interests of Ukraine.

"There is no need to rush politically here. This is a long process. Politicians and government officials must now work at 200% so that by the end of the war we are fully prepared and have clear negotiating positions outlined. So that after the war we do not not waste time on processes but we deal with the adoption of political decisions. We want to start negotiations soon in order to do our best at preparation, and conduct them as quickly as possible to be ready to join the EU by the end of the war. The speed depends both on the EU and Ukraine," concluded Stefanishyna.