On Europe Day, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visited Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, where she joined President Volodymyr Zelensky to celebrate the occasion.
During her visit, von der Leyen highlighted the EU's solidarity with Kyiv as Russia continued its aggression towards Ukraine. She also acknowledged Ukraine's efforts to uphold European values and its commitment to creating "lasting unity and peace," according to DW.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talked about defense matters, Russia's sanctions, and Ukraine's integration with Europe, Reuters reported. He emphasized the importance of united efforts for Europe's security and peace, which should match Russia's intention to ruin it.
Zelensky also noted Russia's military setbacks in Ukraine, citing the failure to capture Bakhmut city before Russia's May 9 holiday.
The main culprit of the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century, the Second World War, did not make it to the Tribunal. He carried out an obvious sentence for himself in the bunker. But his accomplices – including the key figures of Hitler’s aggression – were punished in the… pic.twitter.com/aEBX08vtjt
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 9, 2023
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The Ukrainian head of state also urged the EU to hasten the procurement and delivery of ammunition, which is essential on the battlefield.
On Tuesday, EU lawmakers voted to expedite the consideration of a €500 million ($550 million) law to boost ammunition production in Europe.
Ukraine's EU Membership Still Unsure
In less than a month, it will have been a year since Ukraine became a candidate for EU membership. The EU has praised Ukraine and provided it with billions in aid and military support, as well as imposing several rounds of sanctions.
However, Ukraine is growing increasingly frustrated. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited the Netherlands, wearing army olive drab and with a hoarse voice, to plead for a quicker membership process.
On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen heard the same message and acknowledged Ukraine's impressive efforts despite being in the middle of a war. However, time is a flexible concept in the EU, and patience is essential.
The next assessment is scheduled for October, and while progress has been made, more work needs to be done, AP News reported.
This slow process is difficult for Zelensky, who is focused on weeks and months rather than years and decades. Despite this, it is best for Ukraine to continue on the slow but steady path toward EU membership.
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