Zelensky vs EU: Ukraine demands membership, slams ‘pro-Putin’ nation, rejects ‘second-tier’ status

Speaking at the EU Enlargement Summit in Brussels, Zelensky rejected any “second-tier” status and demanded full EU membership. The remarks came as the European Union released its annual enlargement report, which praised Ukraine’s progress but flagged deep-rooted corruption and slow judicial reforms. Zelensky also slammed Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán for blocking Kyiv’s entry into EU, calling it indirect support for Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump’s verbal backing, the EU’s skepticism and internal divisions could delay Ukraine’s accession for years. Will Zelensky’s patience finally run out - or can Kyiv secure its place in the bloc before the decade ends?