If EU leaders aren't going to be able to make good on Ukraine's wish to join the bloc within 18 months, wouldn't it be better to seriously look at 'associate' membership for Kyiv and others?

The European Union has agreed to start membership talks with Ukraine next week

BRUSSELS: The European Union will resume membership talks with Ukraine on Monday, the bloc announced, after Hungary lifted the veto imposed by its previous pro-Russian leader.…

The European Union has agreed to open the first cluster of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday, marking a major step in the bloc's enlargement.