In a major setback to the aim of Ukraine to join the European Union, the 27-member EU has rejected the country’s President’s request for quick membership. This follows after the president formally requested that Ukraine join the EU by signing a membership application on Monday.
European Union rejects Ukraine’s plea for ‘immediate membership’. @SaroyaHem brings you this report#RussiaUkraineWar
— WION (@WIONews) March 1, 2022
Watch more: https://t.co/dm7SyBIpO6 pic.twitter.com/SQ8sfNun2x
On Monday, Zelenskyy requested a special procedure, claiming that it would assist other European states to stand together and offer Kyiv a stronger footing in dealing with the ongoing confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.
⚡️Zelensky asks the EU for membership.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 28, 2022
“We ask the European Union for Ukraine’s immediate accession under a new special procedure,” said Zelensky in video address.
Between the existing members of the European Union, there was a clear division over the admission of Ukraine in the bloc. While more than six nations have expressed support for Ukraine’s membership, Germany and France have stated that it will not be possible to do so soon. The officials in the bloc have cited lengthy procedures behind the rejection of this request.
On February 28, Zelenskiy, the President of Ukraine requested to the EU “for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure.”
“Our objective is to be among all Europeans and, above all, to be on an equal footing. That seems reasonable to me. I am confident that we are deserving of it,” in a video speech that was posted on social media, he remarked.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine urged the EU to grant his country immediate membership of the bloc.
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 28, 2022
He also had a message for Russian troops in Ukraine: “Abandon your military equipment and leave,” he said. “Save your lives. Leave.”https://t.co/JGBMQM762D pic.twitter.com/yZI2TmjuGw
These developments come as the Russia-Ukraine crisis shows no signs of abating. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the special operation to be launched in East Ukraine in a televised address.
