On June 15, the European Union will initiate its first intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova, marking the opening of Cluster 1, titled “Fundamentals,” in the accession negotiations.
This cluster represents a critical phase in the accession process, addressing issues such as the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, governance, economic criteria, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The intergovernmental conference will officially commence the practical stage of negotiations for both Ukraine and Moldova. The progress towards EU membership will depend on the implementation of necessary reforms and alignment of national legislation with European law.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, welcomed the decision by EU member states to open the first cluster of negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova, stating that this marks a significant step forward. She emphasized that EU enlargement is a strategic choice that strengthens peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.
“Enlargement remains one of the greatest success stories of the European Union and our best investment in a shared future,” von der Leyen stated.
In another significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law that removes the Russian language from the protection of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Ukraine.
The charter will still apply to other languages previously covered, including Belarusian, Bulgarian, Gagauz, Crimean Tatar, Modern Greek, German, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, and Hebrew.
Additionally, protections have been extended to Urum, Rumey, Romani, Crimean Tatar, Karaim, and Yiddish, bringing the total number of protected languages to 18, according to the Ministry of Culture.
In military news, Ukrainian servicemen who have left their units without permission will have the opportunity to voluntarily return to their chosen units until September 20, 2026. This option is available to those who have been officially recorded as absent since June 11, 2026.
According to the Defense Forces website, returning servicemen can choose from a specified list within the same military structure: from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) to the AFU, from the State Special Transport Service (SSTS) to the SSTS, and from the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) to the NGU.
Reports can be submitted in three ways: through the “Army+” platform (for AFU, SSTS, and NGU), directly at the military unit (for AFU and SSTS), or through the first or second recruitment centers (only for AFU). Only one report can be submitted at a time.
“If you do not take advantage of this program by September 20, 2026, you will lose the right to choose your unit. After the program ends, the return process will be more complicated, involving military police, reserve battalions, and legal procedures, which can lead to longer wait times and uncertainty regarding assignments,” the statement noted.
The Ukrainian military is also shifting its recruitment strategy, allowing foreign nationals to make up to 50% of personnel in infantry units. Alexander Syrsky, a military official, stated that this initiative aims to fill 30-50% of positions in relevant units with foreign recruits, thereby alleviating the burden on Ukrainian soldiers and enhancing the combat readiness of these units.
Syrsky emphasized the introduction of fairness for soldiers who have been on the front lines the longest, with plans for gradual release from service by the end of the year.
This marks only the first phase of a broader transformation in recruitment practices, with a second phase expected to involve a comprehensive reform of recruitment and mobilization processes.
“We are building an army with clear rules and respect for the military. The life of a person is the highest value,” Syrsky stated.
He added that the primary goal is to preserve the lives of soldiers on the front lines and ensure Ukraine maintains a strong position in the ongoing conflict.
In related news, British Defense Minister for Armed Forces, Elkins Carnes, has resigned following the departure of his superior, John Gili. Carnes cited disagreement with government plans regarding defense spending as the reason for his resignation.
In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he expressed that the government’s investment plan for defense was neither “transformational enough” nor adequately funded to meet the challenges facing the UK.
The EU is set to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, while Ukraine implements significant changes in language protection and military recruitment. Additionally, a British defense minister resigns over budget disagreements.