European Union leaders told Ukraine on Thursday there was no fast way for the country to join the bloc, dousing Kyiv’s hopes as it faces an onslaught from Russian forces.
“There is no such thing as a fast track,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said as he arrived for an EU summit at the Versailles Palace in France, reflecting the position of several member states.
“I want to focus on what can we do for (Ukrainian President) Volodymyr Zelensky tonight, tomorrow, and and EU accession of Ukraine is something for the long term, if at all,” he added.