In late Saturday statements Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that his country's membership in the EU would "strengthen" the entirety of Europe. He said Ukraine is in the "final phase of the big diplomatic marathon," noting that the world should have an answer on Ukraine's candidacy bid in a mere week-and-a-half, in translated comments.
Why is she wearing body armor? https://t.co/UmjXS7eiIC
— Moon of Alabama (@MoonofA) June 11, 2022
The Ukrainian leader said after the meeting with von der Leyen that the European Commission will soon prepare a conclusion regarding Ukraine's application. He told the Ukrainian public that "all the necessary answers in a very short time, and it was done well."
Von der Leyen also confirmed that a decision to recommend Ukraine's candidacy will soon be made known. However, she emphasized this would be a mere preliminary step:
"EU leaders are due to meet on the 17th of June ahead of an upcoming summit on the 23rd and 24th of June. Now the EU Commission is expected to...