U.S. backs Ukraine's EU aspirations in pragmatic policy shift — analyst

Oleksii Buriachenko, Candidate of Political Sciences, Professor at the National Aviation University Kyiv Aviation Institute, and President of the International Institute for Security Studies, stated this on Espreso TV.

"We are doing everything possible on our part to force and accelerate the negotiation process (regarding EU accession - ed.). And we are being partially held back by the Europeans. We've already seen this from a number of statements. By the way, from the same Kaja Kallas in Luxembourg, from Italy's deputy prime minister, if I'm not mistaken. Well, in short, there really are a number of politicians and countries in the European Union who are quite skeptical about Ukraine's accelerated membership. But I must note that we have a serious partner, a serious friend on this path. This is the United States of America. Because here too everything is very pragmatic, and this is not about democratic values, this is about Trump's policy. He believes, within the framework of the foreign policy doctrine of the United States, which they have already formalized, that what happens in Europe is Europe's responsibility. And by and large, Europe must also be responsible for security and for Ukraine's reconstruction after, at least achieving a ceasefire. Through such actions to accelerate Ukraine's membership in the European Union, Trump wants to remove part of the responsibility from himself, for example, within the framework of the Budapest Memorandum," he said.

Oleksii Buriachenko noted that Ukraine, one way or another, has this partner who will push Europeans toward making the decision our country desires.

"But, first and foremost, of course, it will depend on the evolution of Europe itself. Because, of course, as long as the consensus rule exists, counting on Ukraine obtaining membership, for example, already in 2027, well, that's still quite doubtful. Because, first, there are the Copenhagen criteria, second, unanimous voting, and third, accordingly, ratification in the parliament of each country. But, honestly, we at least want to receive a date, this was stated directly by our President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That is, so that we understand, so that our society understands that at least they're waiting for us there not sometime, whenever. But specifically, if we do our homework, then Europe opens up the corresponding political opportunities for us. And, by the way, it's very good that we have such a good strategic partner as Poland. And that Polish politicians at the top level support our European integration," he added.