![\"Jakub](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771964050_422_Jakub_Krupa.png\")
Jakub Krupa<\/p>\nZelenskyy pushes for Ukraine’s 2027 EU accession, but von der Leyen appears cautious on dateJakub Krupa<\/p>\n
There was one particularly interesting line in that earlier press briefing with Zelenskyy, Costa and von der Leyen when they were discussing Ukraine\u2019s prospects for joining the European Union.<\/p>\n
![\"Ukraine\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771964050_257_5500.jpg\")
Ukraine\u2019s Zelenskyy, and EU\u2019s von der Leyen and Costa attend press conference on fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko\/Reuters<\/p>\n
Zelenskyy pointedly said that he was hoping for 2027, a date which he said would be \u201cvery important to us,\u201d as he repeated his warning that \u201cPutin cannot block our membership for decades.\u201d<\/p>\n
But unusually, among otherwise very positive tone on other tricky issues including the prospect of unblocking the \u20ac90bn loan for Ukraine, von der Leyen appeared to push back on that a bit.<\/p>\n
She praises the progress on reforms as she said:<\/p>\n
\u201cOn your question, is there a way for Ukraine to become a member of the European Union, the answer is a very clear yes, of course. They are, Ukraine, on a good way to become a member of the European Union.\u201d<\/p>\n
But then she added:<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand very well that for you, a clear date is also important. The date you set is your benchmark that you want to match.<\/p>\n
You know that from our side dates, by themselves, are not possible. But of course, the support that you can reach your goal is absolutely clear on our side.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unfazed, Zelenskyy reiterated that he wants Ukraine to be on a \u201cfast track\u201d for the membership to prevent Putin from blocking this path in the future.<\/p>\n
One to keep an eye on in the coming months.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a011.55 EST<\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2h ago<\/p>\n Closing summary<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 2h ago<\/p>\n EU-UK summit could take place in July with hopes for deal on agri-foods, emissions, youth experience<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 2h ago<\/p>\n US told EU it ‘stands by’ tariff deal, trade commissioner says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 3h ago<\/p>\n UK says ‘no truth’ in Russian claims Ukraine is seeking to acquire nuclear weapon<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 3h ago<\/p>\n Zelenskyy pushes for Ukraine’s 2027 EU accession, but von der Leyen appears cautious on date<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n Russia can keep fighting Ukraine war throughout 2026, says military thinktank<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n Ukraine dismisses ‘absurd’ Russian claims on nuclear weapons<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n Mostly western states rally behind Ukraine, condemn Russian aggression at UN meeting in Geneva<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n G7 reiterates ‘unwavering support for Ukraine’ in anniversary statement, first since Trump’s return to White House<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: Thanks for all your questions<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: What’s the future of Zaporizhzhia?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: Do you believe we are close to point where Russia could use nuclear weapons?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: What are the lessons from the 2015 Minsk agreement?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: How important is Poland’s support for Ukraine?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: Who could be Putin’s successor, and what would it mean for Ukraine?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: Has this war been really going on for only four years – or twelve?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: What really stopped Prigozhin’s mutiny march on Moscow in 2023?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: What does Russia’s failure to progress the war means for Moscow’s ambitions in the region?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n Q&A: What do you make of Russian claims about Ukraine’s plans to acquire nuclear weapons with UK, France’s help?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n Shaun Walker answers your questions on Ukraine in Europe Live Q&A<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n Russian foreign ministry warns against risks of ‘direct clash between nuclear powers’, repeating unsubstantiated claims<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n Putin orders security services to step up protection of military leaders after recent assassinations<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 7h ago<\/p>\n Four years of war in Ukraine \u2013 in pictures<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 7h ago<\/p>\n Four years into Ukraine invasion, Russia\u2019s gains are small, while Kyiv remains resilient<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 7h ago<\/p>\n Reminder: Q&A with Shaun Walker on Ukraine at 2pm UK, 3pm Europe<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 7h ago<\/p>\n No Time to Heal – Guardian documentary on psychological rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldier after Russian captivity<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 8h ago<\/p>\n Kyiv marks fourth anniversary of full-scale aggression – in pictures<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 8h ago<\/p>\n ‘Russia is not winning,’ Germany’s Merz says, as he calls for more pressure on Moscow<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 8h ago<\/p>\n Macron ‘very sceptical’ about short-term peace as ‘no willingness’ on Russia’s side<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 8h ago<\/p>\n ‘We need peace, but have to prepare’ for other scenarios, Zelenskyy says, hinting at further talks with Russia in 7-10 days<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 8h ago<\/p>\n Coalition of the Willing’s meeting on fourth anniversary gets under way<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 9h ago<\/p>\n Over 200,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 9h ago<\/p>\n Russia will press ahead with its war aims in Ukraine, Kremlin says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Ask your questions about Ukraine war for our live Q&A at 2pm UK, 3pm CET<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Putin is standing in way of peace, Starmer says, as he says Ukraine is ‘frontline of our freedom’ and marks its resilience<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Ukraine needs ‘ammunition today and every day’ in its fight against ‘Russian terror,’ Nato’s Rutte says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Russia shows contempt for Europe, Zelenskyy warns<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n We must be as determined as when invasion began, Zelenskyy says, as he pushes for EU accession date<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Ukraine never chose this war, Zelenskyy says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Ukrainian people ‘stand defiant in face of almost unimaginable daily hardship,’ EP president says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n Zelenskyy urges Trump to visit Ukraine in first speech marking invasion anniversary<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 10h ago<\/p>\n European Parliament sits to mark fourth anniversary of war<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 11h ago<\/p>\n Russia accuses Britain, France of preparing to arm Kyiv with nuclear bomb without any evidence<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 11h ago<\/p>\n European leaders arrive in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 11h ago<\/p>\n Nato’s Rutte marks fourth anniversary of war<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 11h ago<\/p>\n Morning opening: Four long years<\/p>\n <\/a>Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n Closing summary Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his push for Ukraine to join the European Union in 2027 as he was joined by several EU leaders in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian aggression (17:54<\/a>).<\/p>\n In an early morning address to the nation, Zelenskyy also urged US president Donald Trump to visit Kyiv and insisted his government will not betray its people in any negotiations with Russia (10:25<\/a>), as she showed previously unreleased footage of his underground banker where he worked and slept in the first hours of the war.<\/p>\n In later speeches, Zelenskyy warned that Russia\u2019s Vladimir Putin was actively \u201cchoosing\u201d war as he repeated his calls to put further sanctions on Russia (10:35<\/a>, 10:37<\/a>) and said that Ukraine hoped for peace, but needed to prepare for other scenarios (12:22<\/a>).<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said Ukraine needs to get \u201cammunition today and every day until the bloodshop stops\u201d to fight against \u201cRussian terror from the skies\u201d (10:45<\/a>).<\/p>\n Several other leaders \u2013 including UK prime minister Keir Starmer (11:00<\/a>) and French president Emmanuel Macron (12:26<\/a>) \u2013 also offered their public backing for Ukraine, as did the G7 group of nations (16:22<\/a>).<\/p>\n Meanwhile,<\/p>\n The Kremlin said it was engaged in a broad confrontation with the west but insisted Moscow would press ahead with its war aims in Ukraine (11:19<\/a>).<\/p>\n Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered the country\u2019s security services to strengthen protection for senior military figures and other officials following a string of assassination attempts targeting army personnel (14:54<\/a>).<\/p>\n Earlier, Russia\u2019s foreign intelligence service, the SVR, has accused Britain and France of preparing to arm Kyiv with a nuclear bomb, a claim made without providing any evidence (10:00<\/a>) and repeated throughout the day by further Russian officials (14:59<\/a>) \u2013 despite strong denials from Kyiv (16:28<\/a>) and London (18:08<\/a>).<\/p>\n Separately, the Guardian\u2019s central and eastern Europe correspondent Shaun Walker has answered your questions on the war and what\u2019s likely to happen next (starting from 15:01<\/a>).<\/p>\n And that\u2019s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.<\/p>\n If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com.<\/p>\n I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>EU-UK summit could take place in July with hopes for deal on agri-foods, emissions, youth experience<\/p>\n Speaking at that session with the EU lawmakers, commissioner Maro\u0161 \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d also indicated that the next EU-UK summit could take place in early July, as the two sides hope to agree on reducing agri-foods barriers, the Emissions Trading Scheme, and youth experience and mobility scheme.<\/p>\n He praised his working relationship with the UK\u2019s Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and said the two sides managed to make progress in their talks, including on the thorny issue of guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens resident in the UK after Brexit.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not 100% satisfied, but the progress under his leadership and steer is very much welcome,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d said the two sides were working towards a summit \u201cwhich now most probably would be organised at the beginning of July,\u201d focusing on the three big issues of agri-food barriers (sanitary and phitosanitary issues), the ETS, and youth experience.<\/p>\n He said that, as is often the case in post-Brexit talks, these topics have financial implications or consequences for the UK\u2019s dynamic alignment with the EU law, but the two sides are having discussing about the extent of that coverage and what, if any sectors, could be exempt.<\/p>\n \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d and Thomas-Symonds would be in biweekly contact to \u201cprovide the political steer\u201d and progress the talks, he said.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a012.39 EST<\/p>\n US told EU it ‘stands by’ tariff deal, trade commissioner says<\/p>\n The EU\u2019s trade chief said his US counterparts had told him Washington stands by a key trade deal with the bloc, following an adverse US supreme court decision on president Donald Trump\u2019s tariffs, AFP reported.<\/p>\n European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maro\u0161 \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d speaks to media members as he attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers’ Meeting and EU Trade Commissioner Consultation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photograph: Hasnoor Hussain\/Reuters<\/p>\n After the court ruled Trump lacks authority to impose levies under a 1977 law, the US leader responded with fresh tariffs of 10 percent on imported goods \u2013 which Trump has vowed to hike further to 15 percent.<\/p>\n That raised complex questions about what the new duties mean for the EU deal clinched last year with Trump, which set tariffs at 15 percent for most EU goods, AFP noted.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been in constant touch with my counterparts, and they both reassured me they stand by the deal with the European Union,\u201d trade commissioner Maro\u0161 \u0160ef\u010dovi\u010d told EU lawmakers.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>UK says ‘no truth’ in Russian claims Ukraine is seeking to acquire nuclear weapon<\/p>\n Britain said that Russia\u2019s claim that Ukraine was seeking to obtain a nuclear weapon with help from Britain and France (10:00<\/a>, 14:59<\/a>) was unfounded, Reuters reported.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a clear attempt by Vladimir Putin<\/a> to distract from his heinous actions in Ukraine,\u201d a British government spokesperson said. \u201cThere is no truth in this.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Denmark in is in talks to host production facilities for Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyfall, which would become the second Ukrainian arms maker to produce in the Nordic country, the Danish defence ministry announced on Tuesday.<\/p>\n \u201cBringing strong Ukrainian defence companies to Denmark to work together with Danish industry will strengthen the security of both Denmark and Ukraine<\/a>,\u201d minister of defence Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement.<\/p>\n According to the statement from the Ministry of Defence, Poulsen had held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Zelenskyy pushes for Ukraine’s 2027 EU accession, but von der Leyen appears cautious on date There was one particularly interesting line in that earlier press briefing with Zelenskyy, Costa and von der Leyen when they were discussing Ukraine\u2019s prospects for joining the European Union.<\/p>\n Ukraine\u2019s Zelenskyy, and EU\u2019s von der Leyen and Costa attend press conference on fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko\/Reuters<\/p>\n Zelenskyy pointedly said that he was hoping for 2027, a date which he said would be \u201cvery important to us,\u201d as he repeated his warning that \u201cPutin cannot block our membership for decades.\u201d<\/p>\n But unusually, among otherwise very positive tone on other tricky issues including the prospect of unblocking the \u20ac90bn loan for Ukraine, von der Leyen appeared to push back on that a bit.<\/p>\n She praises the progress on reforms as she said:<\/p>\n \u201cOn your question, is there a way for Ukraine to become a member of the European Union, the answer is a very clear yes, of course. They are, Ukraine, on a good way to become a member of the European Union.\u201d<\/p>\n But then she added:<\/p>\n \u201cI understand very well that for you, a clear date is also important. The date you set is your benchmark that you want to match.<\/p>\n You know that from our side dates, by themselves, are not possible. But of course, the support that you can reach your goal is absolutely clear on our side.\u201d<\/p>\n Unfazed, Zelenskyy reiterated that he wants Ukraine to be on a \u201cfast track\u201d for the membership to prevent Putin from blocking this path in the future.<\/p>\n One to keep an eye on in the coming months.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a011.55 EST<\/p>\n I am back and ready to take you through some other headlines.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Italy will send more military aid to Ukraine<\/a> this year, a senior government official said on Tuesday, adding that continued support for Kyiv could help bring Russia to the negotiating table.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have already agreed that aid of all kinds, including military aid, will continue to be provided to Ukraine throughout the year, so there will obviously be further aid packages in 2026,\u201d said Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a cabinet undersecretary and a close aide to prime minister Giorgia Meloni.<\/p>\n Speaking at a conference marking the fourth anniversary of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he added that continuing backing for Kyiv \u201ccould lead Russia<\/a> to genuine peace negotiations within a reasonable time frame\u201c.<\/p>\n Rome has so far supported Ukraine\u2019s military effort with 12 aid packages, including air defence systems, Reuters reported.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Norway\u2019s top diplomat on Tuesday hailed Ukraine\u2019s survival since Russia launched its full-scale invasion four years ago, and told AFP that president Vladimir Putin<\/a> had lost the war.<\/p>\n Moscow had hoped to take Kyiv in days when it sent troops across the border on 24 February 2022.<\/p>\n Four years later, \u201cit is sensational actually that Ukraine<\/a> is still there\u201d, Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide said in an interview in Geneva.<\/p>\n \u201cThe state works… it has institutions. It has parliament and rule of law,\u201d he said, also pointing out that most people remain supportive of the war.<\/p>\n \u201cThey think it\u2019s terrible, [but] necessary to stand up against Russia<\/a>,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Slovakia\u2019s economy ministry said Tuesday that shipments of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline that passes through Ukraine<\/a> are expected to resume on Thursday.<\/p>\n Last week, Slovakia threatened to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if its neighbour does not reopen the Druzhba pipeline that brings Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary.<\/p>\n \u201cThe latest date announced for the resumption of shipments was delayed to 26 February,\u201d the ministry said in a statement, adding that Ukraine did not explain the delay in resuming shipments.<\/p>\nJakub Krupa<\/p>\n![\"Zelenskyy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1611.jpg\")
Zelenskyy speaks from presidential bunker on fourth anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war \u2013\u00a0video<\/p>\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1728.jpg\")
How the CIA and MI6 uncovered Putin’s war plans and why many did not believe them \u2013\u00a0video<\/p>\nJakub Krupa<\/p>\nJakub Krupa<\/p>\n