Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the European Union to establish a definitive timeline for Ukraine’s accession, proposing that the country could join the bloc by 2027. In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky emphasized the need for clarity from Brussels, arguing that uncertainty benefits Moscow and poses risks to Ukraine’s future.
“I want a date. I am asking for this. We cannot allow future leaders or the next generation to face a situation where Russia blocks Ukraine’s EU membership for 50 years,” he stated.
Zelensky’s remarks come as Ukraine seeks to solidify its European aspirations following its application for EU membership in February 2022, shortly after the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The EU officially began accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in June 2024.
In December 2025, substantive talks on Ukraine’s EU membership commenced, bypassing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s objections. Currently, these discussions encompass three of the six negotiation clusters: “Fundamentals,” “Internal Market,” and “External Relations.” On February 23, the EU provided Ukraine with a document outlining necessary reforms for membership, which will serve as a benchmark for assessing the country’s readiness.
President Zelensky has urged the EU to set a clear timeline for Ukraine's membership, suggesting 2027 as a target year. His call for urgency reflects concerns about Russian influence and the need for a decisive path toward integration.