Ukraine Rejects ‘Partial’ EU Membership Options, Foreign Minister Says

Kyiv insists it will not accept intermediate forms of EU integration, as it pushes for full membership while continuing reforms. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha talks to jouralists prior to an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, in Brussels on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine will not accept any form of “partial” or interim membership in the European Union, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Wednesday, April 22. Speaking to journalists, Sybiha reiterated President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position that Ukraine is seeking full EU membership rather than alternative formats. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “There is a clear position – we will not accept any ‘ersatz membership,’” Sybiha said, according to RBC-Ukraine . His comments come amid ongoing discussions among EU member states about potential phased or “associate” models of integration for Ukraine. Sybiha said Ukraine’s partners understand Kyiv’s position and acknowledged the country’s progress in aligning its legislation with EU standards. “Whether we are ready or not is a rhetorical question. There are clear criteria, and we are fulfilling them – and doing so very quickly,” he said. At the same time, the minister noted that Ukraine’s path to EU membership remains complex and ongoing, requiring further legislative and structural reforms. He added that Kyiv may seek to protect certain sectors of its economy during the accession process, including through temporary measures, while continuing to adopt European standards. On Monday Financial Times reported , that France and Germany are proposing a “symbolic” form of European Union integration for Ukraine that would grant limited benefits before full membership. Other Topics of Interest EU Sanctions Pro‑Russian Networks Over Disinformation The new EU measures target media organizations accused of amplifying Kremlin narratives and undermining democratic institutions across the bloc and in Ukraine. The plan would allow Ukraine to participate in EU meetings but without voting rights and without immediate access to key parts of the bloc’s budget, including agricultural subsidies and regional funding. However, several EU member states have expressed caution about fast-tracking Ukraine’s membership, warning it could disrupt the bloc’s internal balance and budget structure. Yuliia Zavadska is a news writer at Kyiv Post. She has experience in breaking news coverage, fact-checking, and digital journalism, with a focus on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Before joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news feed editor for several leading Ukrainian media outlets.