EU leaders to discuss next steps towards Ukraine's accession with Zelenskyy
EU leaders will discuss the next steps towards Ukraine's accession to the EU and its potential involvement in peace talks during a discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a European Council meeting in Brussels on the evening of 18 June.
According to a European Pravda correspondent, on the evening of 18 June, Zelenskyy will take part in a European Council meeting in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's EU accession prospects, peace talks with Russia and further support from the EU.
The EU leaders' summit on 18 June will begin at 18:00 with the traditional exchange of views with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. A discussion on Ukraine-related issues will then follow, with Zelenskyy invited to participate.
According to European Pravda's source, whenever Zelenskyy is in Brussels, discussions typically span the full range of Ukraine-related issues.
The official noted that a detailed discussion of each topic is not expected, as the time allotted for talks with the Ukrainian president is limited.
For example, a detailed discussion on EU enlargement and accession conditions for new members is likely to be postponed until the European Council meeting in October 2026. On 18 June, the issue is expected to be touched on only briefly: Zelenskyy will be congratulated on the opening of the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and the prospects for opening the next clusters will be discussed.
The EU official added that as usual, leaders will discuss the situation in Ukraine and the war, as well as exchange current information and coordinate negotiations and diplomatic efforts.
On the latter point, they will discuss the two main pillars of the EU's current strategy: supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia, including preparations for the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
The official added that Zelenskyy is calling for Europe to play a greater role in the talks, making continued coordination essential. He said some elements of any future peace agreement will directly concern Europe, meaning they will eventually have to be addressed through direct contacts with Russia, which was also in Europe's interests.
However, the official recalled that in the EU's view, Russia's behaviour has repeatedly shown a lack of strong willingness to engage in serious peace talks.
Another important point is that after the change of government in Hungary, the European Council conclusions are expected to be finally approved by all 27 EU leaders. Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán had previously refused to sign the section of the conclusions relating to Ukraine.
It was reported earlier that Zelenskyy will take part in a European Council meeting on 18 June during discussions on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is currently in Évian, France, for the G7 meeting, where he has already discussed obtaining a licence to produce anti-ballistic systems and missiles during talks with US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy has said that all G7 countries see no willingness on Russia's part to end the war and believe it must be compelled to negotiate through sanctions.
Zelenskyy also said G7 countries will help Ukraine get through the winter if the war with Russia continues.