President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky expressed confidence that Ukraine will be able to complete the path to membership in the European Union much faster than expected.
This was reported by URA-Inform with reference to RBC-Ukraine.
He made this statement in a documentary about Ukraine's western direction, which was shown as part of a telethon. Zelensky recalled that after Ukraine received the status of a candidate for EU membership, he met with the leaders of all member states of the Union.
Most European leaders then warned that the process could drag on: from candidacy to the start of negotiations usually takes six to eight years, and from negotiations to full membership – another ten years. However, as the President of Ukraine noted, his country intends to refute these expectations.
«We will go through all these stages, I am sure, and we will be in the EU faster than predicted. If we continue to work like this, run like this, be persistent,» — Zelensky said, emphasizing the need for persistence and speed in the reform process.
One of the key factors that, according to Zelensky, contributes to the acceleration of the process of European integration is the rapid reform of the country.
The President drew attention to the fact that Ukraine has already adopted a colossal number of laws that have caused long-term disputes and a struggle for power among EU member states.
«In Ukraine, this stage was ‘not noticed’, it was ‘run through’,» — the president noted, emphasizing that reforms are taking place at an incredible speed, which indicates the country's readiness for further steps on the path to EU membership.
An approximate forecast was also given regarding when the Russian army will begin to storm the Zaporizhzhya direction.