Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European Union leaders to send a "clear political message" in support of Ukraine's accession to the EU, despite Hungary's blockade. This is reported by The Guardian, Fokus reports.
Zelensky's appeal was made on Thursday evening via video address, just hours after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he had a mandate to stop the process of Ukraine's accession to the union.
Budapest has blocked the start of negotiations on the so-called "cluster one" – a chapter of the negotiating framework covering the core European values: functioning democratic institutions, independence of the judiciary and a stable public administration.
Orbán arrived at the summit in Brussels arguing that 2.2 million Hungarians oppose Ukraine's membership, citing a recent national survey.
Without specifically mentioning Hungary, Zelensky said:
“What is needed now is a clear political message – that Ukraine is firmly on the path to Europe and that Europe is fulfilling its promises.“
The opening of the first cluster is not just a formality, the Ukrainian president stressed – this is a clear incentive for development and reforms in the country.
„This is what gives motivation, support and strength to the men and women who are defending their families from Russia's criminal and unprovoked war.“
Zelensky also called for tougher sanctions against Moscow. He proposed reducing the ceiling on Russian oil revenues to $30 per barrel - half the current limit of $60 imposed by the G-7. The European Commission recently proposed a threshold of $45, but the initiative was not supported by the United States.
„Sanctions against Russia remain one of the most effective tools for limiting its aggression,“ Zelensky stressed.
He called for new restrictions in the areas of energy, the banking sector, financial flows, the “hidden fleet“ of Russia and the supply chains that deliver European components to Russian military enterprises.