Zelenskyy says ‘time is right’ for Ukraine to start process of joining EU

His comments come as both Kyiv and Moscow try to advance their interests on the battlefield.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told European Union leaders that now is the time to begin the process of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, describing a proposal for associate membership as “unfair”.Zelenskyy said in a letter to EU leaders on Friday that associate membership would leave Ukraine “voiceless” because it would not have voting rights, which would prevent Kyiv from advancing its interests, the Reuters news agency reported.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Why is Trump deploying 5,000 troops to Poland?list 2 of 3Russia ‘looking for new soldiers’; Kyiv claims 83,000 dead so far in 2026list 3 of 3Russia labels Ukraine attack in occupied Luhansk ‘monstrous crime’end of listUkraine has intensified efforts to join the EU after Hungary’s former prime minister, Viktor Orban, was ousted in parliamentary elections last month. Under Orban, who maintained close ties with Russia, Budapest repeatedly used its veto power to block Ukraine’s accession bid and stalled approval of aid for Kyiv.Zelenskyy’s push for EU membership comes as both Kyiv and Moscow seek to advance their interests on the battlefield.Russia accused Ukraine of a deadly attack on a student dormitory in the Russian-controlled town of Starobilsk.Russia’s emergency ministry said: “A total of 48 casualties were recorded, 12 of whom were killed. According to preliminary reports, nine people are still trapped under the debris.”Vladimir Putin has ordered his forces to respond to the attack, and Russia’s foreign ministry said those responsible would face “inevitable and severe punishment”.Kyiv has denied striking the dorm, saying it targeted an elite drone command unit in the area and that it complies with international humanitarian law.⁠Ukraine’s ⁠military hit a large chemical plant, ⁠Metafrax Chemical, in ⁠Russia’s Perm region, 1,700km (1,050 miles) from the ‌border, Zelenskyy said on Saturday.