Ukraine’s president applies for country to become member of EU
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday applied for Ukraine to join the European Union in what has been hailed as a ‘historic moment’.
The leader has been calling for ‘fast-tracked’ entry into the EU to help his nation fight off Russian forces by strengthening its ties with the West.
An image posted on social media shows him signing an official application at a desk with indoor barricades behind him.
A Tweet from the official account of the president’s office said: ‘President @ZelenskyyUa has signed application for the membership of #Ukraine in the European Union. This is a historic moment.’
Mr Zelensky revealed earlier on Monday that he had asked the EU for ‘immediate accession via a new special procedure’.
‘Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing,’ he said on his Telegram channel, as fighting across the country intensified.
‘I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.’
He confirmed he had spoken to EU chiefs about the prospect of joining, tweeting last night: ‘Had a phone conversation with @vonderleyen.
