'This is a victory': smiling Zelenskiy promises EU membership, Russia defeat

June 23 (Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday declared the EU’s move to accept Ukraine as a candidate for admission as a victory and promised not to rest until Russia’s defeat and full membership were secured.

EU leaders formally accepted Ukraine as a candidate to join the 27-nation bloc, a bold geopolitical move hailed by Ukraine and the EU itself as a historic moment. Read more

“This is a victory,” a smiling Zelenskiy said in a short video posted on his Instagram channel, noting that Ukraine had been waiting 30 years for this moment.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a meeting with local authorities during a visit to the southern city of Mykolaiv, while Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues, in Ukraine on June 18, 2022. Ukraine’s Presidential Press Service / Distribution via REUTERS

“We can defeat the enemy, rebuild Ukraine, join the EU, and then we can rest,” he said softly.

“Or maybe we do not want to rest at all – our children would take offense. But without a doubt we will win.”

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, said Kyiv would quickly implement the plan needed for the accession negotiations to begin.

“Ukraine wants to join the EU,” he tweeted.