Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday to allow accession negotiations to begin with his country, warning that Vladimir Putin would exploit any failure on their part.
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“Don’t give Putin credit for this first – and only – victory of the year,” the Ukrainian leader warned as he addressed via video conference the heads of state and government of the 27 states gathered for a crucial summit for Kiev. He stressed: “This is no time for half measures or hesitation.”
“Today is the day of a political decision in response to what we have achieved. This includes starting accession negotiations with Ukraine,” emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
“You all know very well, and I emphasize all this, that we have fulfilled all our obligations,” he continued, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is refusing to start such accession negotiations with Kiev at this point.
The European Commission recommended moving to this stage in November, but unanimity of the twenty-seven is required on enlargement issues. European heads of state and government must also decide on new budget aid for Ukraine, which the Hungarian Prime Minister also rejects.
“Today is a day when decisions will be made either in Brussels or in Moscow,” emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian President Vladimir Putin, buoyed by Ukraine's difficulties in the war, expressed confidence Thursday that he would win.
“Ten years ago in Ukraine, people rose under the flags of the European Union,” the Ukrainian leader recalled, referring to the pro-Western Maidan Revolution. “I ask you one thing today: do not betray the citizens and their faith in Europe.”
Volodymyr Zelensky warned that a “negative attitude towards Ukraine” was a “free pass” for Moscow.
“Putin will certainly use it against you personally and against all of Europe,” he continued. “Europe must win, agreements must be respected and words must count,” he concluded.