The European Union is weighing a preferential, fast-track path for Ukraine to join the bloc in exchange for a swift peace deal with Russia.
Across European capitals, officials are actively debating potential terms of a future peace agreement on Ukraine. A central question: what security guarantees and political incentives Kyiv could receive if the war ends.
According to Die Welt, options under discussion include accelerated EU membership for Ukraine and expanded mechanisms to protect the country.
European sources say the idea is this: Ukraine could be given a clear, relatively near-term path to EU membership if a compromise to end the war is reached with the United States and Russia. The talks involve not only political integration but also concrete security guarantees meant to offset the risk of a new conflict after any potential deal.
The discussions come amid a complex diplomatic landscape. The United States, a key mediator, is advancing a model under which Ukraine would receive support and security guarantees while Russia retains control over parts of the occupied territories and gains the remaining, currently unoccupied areas of Donetsk region. For Kyiv, however, handing Moscow the remaining territories of Donbas remains unacceptable.
In Brussels, officials acknowledge that any compromise would require careful explanation to the Ukrainian public. That is why the prospect of EU membership is seen as a potential argument in favor of a deal. Informally, timelines of around 2027 are being floated, though many diplomats view 2028 to 2030 as more realistic.
Even a fast-tracked accession would face hurdles. EU rules require a host of conditions to be met, including reforms, stronger anti-corruption measures and bolstered rule-of-law institutions. Any accession also
