EU ‘not ready’ to give Ukraine date for membership, says bloc’s foreign policy chief Kallas

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated at the Munich Security Conference that EU governments are not prepared to give Ukraine a specific date for membership. This statement comes despite President Zelensky's demand for a date as part of security guarantees for a peace package with Russia. While a 2027 membership date was reportedly discussed in a peace plan between the US, Ukraine, and the EU, many EU governments consider any fixed date unrealistic. They maintain that EU accession is a merit-based process dependent on Ukraine aligning its laws with EU standards. Kallas emphasized that "there's a lot of work to be done" before membership can be considered.

During a speech at a European Union event, EU's Kallas responded to Rubio's earlier remarks by stating that Europe is not facing civilizational erasure, despite claims of being "woke" and "decadent." Kallas emphasized that many countries still desire to join the EU. She also addressed the ongoing challenge posed by Russia, particularly in Ukraine, but asserted that Russia is not a superpower and its economy is struggling due to the conflict. Kallas cautioned against allowing Russia to gain more through negotiations than it has achieved on the battlefield. The event also included discussions on increasing defense spending, potential peace talks with Russia, and Ukraine's possible EU accession.

On day 1,452 of the Russia-Ukraine war, February 15, 2026, fighting continued with drone attacks on both sides. Russia launched a drone attack on Odesa, Ukraine, killing one, while Ukraine reportedly attacked Russia's Bryansk and Belgorod regions, causing casualties. A "massive drone attack" by Ukraine on a village in Russian-occupied Luhansk wounded at least 19. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated Russia was suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, estimating 65,000 soldiers in two months, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio estimated 7,000-8,000 weekly losses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported damage to every power plant in Ukraine. Zelenskyy also spoke with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding upcoming ceasefire talks in Geneva, expressing concerns about pressure for Ukrainian concessions.

Ahead of upcoming talks with Russia and the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine seeks a 20-year security guarantee from the US as a prerequisite for signing a peace deal. Speaking at the Munich Security Summit, Zelenskyy also requested a clear timeline for Ukraine's EU membership. He expressed concern that the US focuses on Ukrainian concessions rather than Russian ones. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered partnership with Europe, it was conditional on climate, migration, and tariff agreements. Zelenskyy revealed the US offered a 15-year guarantee, but Ukraine desires a legally binding 20-year agreement detailing US support for a planned European reassurance force in Ukraine.

Upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva are facing challenges after deadly drone strikes killed one person in each country. The strikes occurred as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Rubio expressed concerns about the negotiations, which are scheduled for next week as the conflict enters its fifth year. Zelenskyy stated that negotiations often feel unproductive, with the US focusing on Ukrainian concessions. Rubio questioned Russia's sincerity in seeking peace. A key point of contention is Russia's demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Donetsk, which Ukraine rejects without Western security guarantees. Zelenskyy hopes for continued US involvement and increased European participation in the peace process.