Analysis-European capitals push back as Ukraine seeks fast-track EU membership

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attend a press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa (not pictured) on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 24, 2026. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo

BRUSSELS, March 3 (Reuters) - Ukraine’s push ⁠for a fast track into the European Union as part of any peace deal has hit stiff resistance from EU governments, who do not want to open the ⁠Pandora’s box of problems that they fear a quick accession would unleash.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wants a 2027 date to join the EU as part of a settlement ‌to end Russia's war, hoping this would anchor his country in Europe’s main political club and offer a path to greater prosperity, security and stability.