Zelensky and Sandu Call on EU to Start Membership Talks Without Delay

During a meeting in Kyiv on the 40th anniversary of Chornobyl, the leaders of Ukraine and Moldova declared that both nations have fulfilled all conditions to open EU accession clusters. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied President Volodymyr Zelensky and Moldovan President Maia Sandu, April 26. (Photo by Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky and Moldovan President Maia Sandu held a joint press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, April 26, emphasizing that both nations are ready to begin formal negotiations for European Union membership. Sandu stressed that both Moldova and Ukraine have met the necessary criteria and that the EU must now demonstrate unity by opening negotiation clusters without further delay. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Chornobyl 40 years ago taught us about shared vulnerability; Russia’s war today teaches it again,” Sandu stated, linking the European path to regional security. Zelensky echoed this sentiment, noting that the two states are moving toward the EU as partners and deserve to be part of a “strong, united Europe .” The discussions focused on deepening cooperation in security, infrastructure, and energy. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for Moldova regarding the Transnistrian region and highlighted the development of trilateral formats with Romania , particularly in cross-border power lines and transport routes. “The more real connections between our energy systems, the more protection there will be for our people,” the Ukrainian President remarked. The push for full integration comes as Kyiv remains firm against alternative models of accession. Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha rejected any “ersatz membership” or symbolic integration plans – such as those reportedly proposed by France and Germany – that would limit voting rights or access to the EU budget. Other Topics of Interest The Chornobyl Deception Part 1: Lies and Fabrications How the Soviet Union lied about Its worst nuclear disaster – and how the West helped. This diplomatic front coincides with a breakthrough in Brussels, where the EU recently approved a €90-billion loan for Ukraine and its 20th sanctions package against Russia. As the “Energy Ramstein” conference also concluded in Kyiv today with pledges of € 100 million for grid repairs , the synchronized efforts of Ukraine and Moldova signal a concerted drive to secure their place in the European fold amid ongoing Russian aggression. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.