Von der Leyen in Kyiv: Ukraine Demands Faster EU Support Amid Russian War
Europe Day Meets Victory Day Tensions
Ursula von der Leyen landed in Kyiv to mark Europe Day—celebrating peace and unity. But the date also clashed with Moscow’s Victory Day, marking the Soviet win over Nazi Germany in 1945. A sharp reminder of the ongoing conflict just across the border.
Zelensky Pushes for Speedier Aid and EU Talks
President Zelensky wasted no time. He urged the EU to speed up ammunition deliveries and scrap “unacceptable” limits on Ukrainian grain exports. Most importantly, he demanded Europe start formal talks on Ukraine’s EU membership.
“The time has come to remove the artificial political uncertainty in the relations between Ukraine and the EU… The time has come to take a positive decision on the opening of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” Zelensky declared.
One Million Shells Delivered—But Not Fast Enough
Zelensky thanked the EU for sending one million artillery shells but stressed that deliveries must come faster as Ukraine prepares for a spring counteroffensive against Russian forces after more than a year of invasion.
Grain Export Wars Strain EU-Ukraine Ties
The Ukrainian president slammed new restrictions on grain exports imposed by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, calling them “completely unacceptable” and accusing the measures of helping Russia’s war effort.
Von der Leyen admitted the grain issue was “difficult” but assured that the immediate focus is making export routes as smooth and cheap as possible. An EU deal reached last month keeps transit flowing but with strict limits.
EU Membership Talks: Soon or Too Soon?
Von der Leyen will deliver a report in October assessing Ukraine’s democratic and anti-corruption reforms. EU leaders must then decide whether to start formal membership negotiations, which Brussels warns could drag on for six to ten years.
Meanwhile, Kyiv remains optimistic, hoping talks get underway this year despite lingering doubts in EU capitals due to Ukraine’s turbulent recent history.
