Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine deserves full membership in the European Union, emphasizing the importance of the 90 billion euro financial aid approved by the EU.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that his country deserves full membership in the European Union, not a symbolic one, in the context of the approval of 90 billion euros in financial aid from the EU. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is defending not only itself but also Europe, in the face of the Russian invasion.

Reacting to an article in the Financial Times, he insisted that he does not want a symbolic membership in the EU, considering previous experiences with alliances that did not provide real guarantees. He also requested a specific date for Ukraine's accession, while European officials emphasized that this process depends on meeting the necessary criteria. The financial aid will primarily be used to support the Ukrainian army and cover the budget deficit, and the first funds will be transferred starting in May. On the same day, the EU adopted a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting restrictions in the fields of financial services, trade, and energy.