Why does Ukraine want to join the European Union?

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently urged the European Union (EU) to allow Ukraine to join as a member immediately under a special process.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently urged the European Union (EU) to allow Ukraine to join as a member immediately under a special process.

Ukraine has filed the membership application because it will defend Ukraine against Russian aggression. In addition to humanitarian aid, the European bloc has also decided to send $450 million in military aid to Ukraine.

Russian and Ukrainian officials met at the Belarusian border for ceasefire talks. Whereas, Western countries are constantly coming together to further isolate Russia economically and diplomatically. Russia has damaged several major defense and civilian installations inside Ukraine.

Relations between the EU and Ukraine are shaped through the Ukraine-EU Union Agreement and the Deep & Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Ukraine is a priority partner in the Eastern Partnership as well as the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP).