“Don’t give Putin the satisfaction of a refusal,” insists Zelensky on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

Ukraine's EU membership: Putin's victory that should not be given away

\n\nIn 2013, Ukraine unleashed a wave of protests known as Euromaidan, a large-scale mobilization following President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to suspend his approach to increasing ties with the European Union. Since then, the question of Ukraine's membership in the EU has persisted.\n\nFollowing the request of the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, to begin talks on Ukraine's accession to the EU, the latter requested that his country's integration be accelerated. He argued that refusing to include Ukraine in the EU would be a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.\n\n

Zelensky advocates for Ukraine's inclusion in the EU

\n\nPresident Zelensky appealed to EU countries to recognize Ukraine's aspiration to join the Union and called for formal accession talks to begin. Zelensky specifically warned that the EU's refusal to welcome Ukraine into its ranks would constitute a victory for Putin. He called on EU members “not to give Putin victory” by refusing.\n\n

Implications of Ukraine's EU membership

\n\nUkraine's accession to the EU means several strategic and economic changes for the country. It would have the potential to boost Ukraine's economy, improve political stability and strengthen the country's security in the face of external threats, particularly from Russia.\n\n

The EU faces a difficult choice

\n\nThe Ukrainian president's request places the EU in a delicate position. The Union is already grappling with Brexit and other internal crises. Acceptance of Ukraine could be seen as a provocation by Russia, which is already in conflict with the EU on several fronts.\n\n

Russia's role

\n\nThe Russian President Vladimir Putin has clearly expressed its opposition to Ukraine's integration into the EU, citing geopolitical and economic concerns. According to Putin, Ukraine's accession to the EU would endanger Russian-Ukrainian relations.\n\nIn conclusion, the question of Ukraine's EU membership is not only a matter of internal politics, but also has far-reaching international implications. It is now up to the EU to decide whether it wants to “offer Putin victory” by refusing Ukraine membership or support the aspirations of a nation seeking European integration. \n\n