EU eyes Ukrainian membership, could be bargaining chip in Russia talks

Flags of European Union and Ukraine flutter outside EU Parliament building, in Brussels, Belgium, February 28, 2022. REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders may discuss the possibility of Ukrainian membership at an informal summit in March, a senior EU official said on Monday, adding the issue was important for Ukraine in discussions with Russia on ending the conflict.

"I think one of the reasons that this is important for (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskiy is also potentially in some of the discussions with Russia on a way out," the official said referring to talks to end the conflict. But he cautioned no process has been started yet.