June 19, 2026
President Volodymyr Zelensky told an EU summit on Thursday the future of Europe was being shaped by the defence of Ukraine and the best security guarantee for the bloc's future was to grant Kyiv fast-track membership.
Zelensky said he told member states that Ukraine wanted the war against Russia to be over by the end of the year and he urged them to help Kyiv prepare for another winter with air defence missiles and fuel.
Every democratic nation in Europe deserves to be in the EU, Zelensky said, adding: "Ukraine merits this because it has paid more than any other country for its right to be free, independent and ... European."
"The future of Europe – free, united and of course in peace – is being decided in our defence. That shows how unique our situation is," he said in excerpts of his address posted on X.
