German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine's proposed associate membership in the EU would grant Kyiv participation in Council of EU and Council of Ministers meetings, along with a non-voting European Commissioner status. Germany seeks a lasting peace for Ukraine, considering its own security interests.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a German proposal for Ukraine to become an associate EU member, stating it would leave Kyiv voiceless. He emphasized the need for full and equal membership, while also highlighting Ukraine's role in defending Europe against Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged EU leaders to begin Ukraine's accession process, deeming associate membership 'unfair' due to lack of voting rights. He also reported Ukraine retook 590 sq km of territory this year and struck Russian military infrastructure, including a chemical plant and oil facilities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky strongly opposed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for associate EU membership, arguing it would be unfair and that Ukraine deserves full and equal rights within Europe.
Ukrainian drones struck the Syzran oil refinery in Russia, over 800km inside the country, causing a fire and killing two people. President Zelenskyy stated this is part of a broader plan targeting Russian oil revenues amid escalating attacks.
Florian Philippot, leader of the French Patriots party, slammed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for Ukraine to become an "associate member" of the EU, warning it would lead to financial ruin for the bloc due to potential access to European funds.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed an interim 'associate member' status for Ukraine to bring Kyiv closer to the EU before full accession, including participation in summits without voting rights and a snap-back mechanism tied to the rule-of-law standards.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposes that Ukraine be offered “associate membership” in the EU, allowing participation in meetings without voting rights and creating non-voting roles in the European Commission and European Parliament. The move aims to energize peace talks with Russia as EU states weigh a parallel negotiating track amid stalled U.S.-led mediation.
