“Mark Rutte, please be as active in accelerating our accession to the EU as you are in supporting our country.” Ihor Zhovkva, a key adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky, told news hour† He believes that the Dutch prime minister should let go of the “bureaucratic procedure” for admission.
Rutte does not rule out Ukrainian membership of the EU, but says the procedure can take years† That has to be done faster for the sake of the security of Ukraine and of Europe, says Zhovkva. “We are now doing more for the security of the EU than any other EU country. We are fighting.” Therefore, it would be a nice act of reciprocity if Ukraine could become a member, says Zhovkva.
Heads of Government in Kiev
Earlier today, President Zelensky indicated that he understands that NATO membership is not an option. “If NATO’s door is not open, then we need to work with the institutions that allow us to,” he said during a speech. One of those collaborations could therefore be in an EU context.
Zelensky is today holding talks with the heads of government of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia in Kiev. “A huge show of support that they are in Kiev,” says Zhovkva. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Facebook that the three were traveling to Kiev on behalf of the EU. EU officials deny to AP news agency that the three are negotiating on behalf of the EU.
Still, EU membership will be on the agenda, says Ihor Zhovkva. But it’s not just about possible accelerated admission. “We are also talking about providing military supplies and about a fund that should be created for the reconstruction of our country after the war.”
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Negotiations between the Russians and Ukraine, meanwhile, continue. When asked whether Ukraine would like a ‘neutral status’ in order to reach an agreement, Zhovkva said: “We are prepared to do that, but only if our security is guaranteed.”
The mood surrounding the negotiations is more positive than after the first two rounds of negotiations, in which, according to Zhovkva, the Russians mainly laid down demands. “But we will not surrender, or give in to a Russian ultimatum or a red line. Also ‘giving away’ Crimea is unacceptable.” A ceasefire is not yet in the works, Zhovkva said.
Zhovkva does not dare to predict whether Presidents Putin and Zelensky will talk to each other this week. “As soon as possible would be good. My president is ready when Putin is ready.”
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