Zelensky calls for Ukraine to be given immediate EU membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is asking for Ukraine to be admitted to the European Union as his country fights off Russian forces amid a full-scale invasion. 

“Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing,” Zelensky said during a video address, according to the New York Times.

“I’m sure it’s fair,” he added. “I’m sure it’s possible.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its fifth day on Monday, and Zelensky’s request to join the EU comes as diplomats from Kyiv and the Kremlin have agreed to meet for talks.

Dozens of people have been killed during missile attacks and fighting in the streets near Ukraine’s major cities in recent days. Hundreds of citizens have fled the war-torn country, while others have joined military resistance efforts and taken up arms against Russian forces. 

Several EU member nations and allies in the West like the United States have pledged support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s invasion. 

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his country’s nuclear defense systems be put on higher alert, citing what he says are threats from the West. 

Before Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last week, he warned countries that interference with his operations will face “consequences you have never seen.”