Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s push for rapid Ukrainian membership in the European Union is straining relations with EU capitals, as disagreements deepen over both the pace of enlargement and Ukraine’s domestic reforms.


According to officials involved in recent discussions with Kyiv and quoted by the Financial Times, senior Ukrainian representatives have pressed the EU and US to accelerate accession talks and criticised the European Commission’s handling of enlargement. Seven officials present in the talks said Kyiv argued that Ukraine’s membership is essential for both sides.


However, EU officials say the approach has caused friction. “Membership is not a gift,” said one official. “Maybe there’s some misunderstanding in Kyiv about that.”


Others described a confrontational tone from Kyiv. “They say: ‘You owe us’,” said a second. “And that’s not helpful.”


A third official added: “We have a real problem there. Zelenskyy and his entourage have never had a real understanding of how [enlargement] works.”


Tensions persist despite EU financial support, including approval of a €90bn loan to Ukraine, partially unblocked after political changes in Hungary. While recent diplomatic meetings have eased tensions slightly, divisions remain over the accession process.


German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine’s hopes for rapid EU entry were “not realistic”, warning that a peace deal could involve territorial loss.


Ukraine, granted EU candidate status in 2022, has pushed for accession by 2027. Zelenskyy rejected proposals for phased or symbolic membership, stating: “Ukraine does not need symbolic membership in the EU.”


“Ukraine is defending itself and is definitely defending Europe. And it is not defending Europe symbolically — people are really dying,” he said. “We are defending it with everything we have, with all our strength . . . We are defending shared European values. I believe we deserve full membership in the European Union.”


EU diplomats say Ukraine’s reform progress has slowed, particularly in rule of law and anti-corruption efforts, and note missed legislative deadlines linked to market integration.


A Ukrainian official said: “We won’t even discuss it,” referring to alternative membership proposals.


Meanwhile, one EU diplomat warned: “We are the only friends he has, so he might be better off keeping his mouth shut.”


By Tamilla Hasanova