August M
Ukraine’s future in Europe is facing new political realities.
A fresh statement from Berlin suggests difficult compromises could lie ahead, reports Digi24.ro.
Tough trade-offs
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that Ukraine may have to accept territorial losses as part of a future peace agreement with Russia, according to Digi24.ro, citing Reuters.
“At some point, Ukraine will sign a ceasefire agreement. At some point, we hope, it will sign a peace treaty with Russia. It may be that then parts of Ukraine’s territory will no longer be Ukrainian,” Merz said during a speech at a school in Marsberg.
He linked such a scenario to Ukraine’s ambitions of joining the European Union.
EU ambitions delayed
Merz also warned that Kyiv’s hopes of rapid EU membership are unrealistic.
According to Digi24.ro, he said joining the bloc by 2027 or even 2028 is not feasible, particularly while the country remains at war.
Ukraine must also meet strict requirements on governance, including rule of law reforms and tackling corruption, before accession can move forward.
Gradual integration
Instead of immediate membership, Merz proposed a step-by-step approach.
He suggested granting Ukraine observer status in EU institutions and gradually integrating it into European structures as reforms progress.
The idea of phased accession, he said, has gained support among European leaders.
Financial backing
EU countries recently approved a €90bn financial support package for Ukraine, structured as a loan.
According to Digi24.ro, repayment would depend on whether Russia pays war reparations, otherwise EU member states would cover the cost, with some countries opting out of guarantees.
Despite this support, divisions remain within the bloc over how quickly Ukraine should move toward membership.
Kyiv’s stance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted that the country deserves full EU membership rather than a limited or symbolic role.
He has also resisted any political commitment to territorial concessions, arguing that such decisions would require approval through a referendum.
Stalled talks
Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, remain deadlocked.
Russia continues to demand control over the Donbas region, while Ukraine rejects handing over territory without public approval.
The debate underscores the difficult balance between ending the war and shaping Ukraine’s long-term future in Europe.
Sources: Digi24.ro, Reuters
