Ukraine does not consider options for partial or "lightened" integration into the European Union and NATO and seeks full membership in both associations. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint briefing in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reports UNN.
The Head of State emphasized that Kyiv is interested not in intermediate formats or symbolic solutions, but in real strategic partnership with Europe and the North Atlantic Alliance.
Everyone in Europe knows our position: we don't need an EU-lite, just like a NATO-lite, to be honest
Ukraine's accession to the EU is in Europe's strategic interest – Merz14.04.26, 15:59
The President emphasized that Ukraine can become a strong full-fledged ally, not a state with limited status.
Similarly, I believe that both Europe and NATO countries need Ukraine to the fullest extent – a strong partner. Our army is needed, a strong army, because no one needs a Ukrainian army-lite. What kind of defense would that be? Therefore, I believe that this is a bilateral interest
During the same briefing, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union, but noted that the process would require time and the implementation of necessary reforms.
According to the Chancellor, the EU aims to show Ukraine a phased path to membership, which does not mean a secondary status.
We want to show Ukraine a path, how it can approach the EU step by step. This is not a second-class membership, it is simply a process of approximation
He also emphasized that the ultimate goal remains close integration of Ukraine with the European Union.