Ukraine President Zelenskyy Supports EU Membership Process

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written to European Union leaders, proposing that Ukraine consider associate membership with the bloc. In his letter, Zelenskyy expressed concerns that associate membership would leave Ukraine without voting rights, which he believes would hinder its ability to advance its interests.

The proposal comes as Ukraine intensifies efforts to join the EU following Hungary’s change in government last month. Under the previous administration, Budapest had used its veto power to block Ukraine’s accession bid and stalled approval of aid for Kyiv.

Meanwhile, both Ukrainian and Russian forces are seeking to advance their positions on the battlefield. The head of the Russian-occupied Luhansk region reported that a drone attack on Saturday resulted in 10 deaths and 48 injuries, with 11 people still missing. Ukraine has denied being responsible for the attack, claiming it targeted an elite drone command unit.

In response to the incident, Vladimir Putin ordered his forces to respond. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also announced that his country’s military had struck a large chemical plant in Russia’s Perm region, which supplies products to other Russian military production facilities. Additionally, Ukraine attacked Russian oil infrastructure, including a refinery in Yaroslavl and an oil terminal in Novorossiysk.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has retaken approximately 600 square kilometers of territory since the beginning of the year, citing this as evidence that Kyiv’s gains are forcing Moscow to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the war. According to Zelenskyy, Russia has suffered significant losses, including the deaths of around 86,000 soldiers and serious injuries to at least 59,000.

The United Nations has expressed alarm over reports of the drone attack, but cautioned that it could not verify the details. The situation on the battlefield remains fluid, with both sides seeking to advance their positions.

Source: Al Jazeera