Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly opposed the proposal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for a special status for Ukraine within the European Union. In a letter to EU leadership, obtained by the German Press Agency, Zelenskyy reaffirms his goal of full membership. “It would be unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union but without a voice,” the letter states.
Zelenskyy also criticizes the pace of the enlargement process: Europe must move faster and not leave Ukraine in a waiting room until full membership is achieved. Merz’s initiative, which had floated a status as an “associate member,” is politically insufficient for Kyiv. Berlin’s perspective, the proposal was meant to build a bridge, as rapid full accession is considered unrealistic.
In government circles in Berlin, it was said that Germany remains Ukraine’s most important supporter and sees itself as a pathfinder for EU membership. The proposal serves to open an honest debate. “Full membership remains the goal. In substance, it is now primarily about opening the negotiation chapters. In this respect, there is a high degree of agreement with the Ukrainian president’s ideas,” the circles said.
Zelenskyy also reiterated his demand in a video address: “There can be no complete European project without Ukraine, and Ukraine’s place in the European Union must also be complete – full and equal.” He called for meaningful progress in negotiations and emphasized working one hundred percent for security and the people. The Ukrainian president has been leading the country for more than four years in its defensive war against Russia’s war of aggression and sees early EU membership as a victory for Kyiv.
EuroPulse reported on May 16, 2026, about former US ambassador Grenell’s criticism of Merz following his statement on the USA (https://europulse.today/grenell-kritisiert-merz-usa-aussage/).
Source: www.welt.de
