EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced: “Ukraine could become a member before 2030…”

"THIS WAR ALSO CONCERNS EUROPE'S SECURITY"

"This war does not only concern Ukraine, but also the security of Europe. Therefore, it is vital that Europe is present and actively participates in the negotiations. Not only the European Union, but also Norway, Iceland and the United Kingdom, are countries that strongly support Ukraine and are directly concerned about the security of Europe, and they need to be part of the process," Costa said.

"THOSE RESPONSIBLE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that while talking about a just and lasting peace, the real reason for this war should not be forgotten and that those who started the war will be held accountable. Zelenskyy said, "The steps taken by Russia clearly show how this war started. Thousands of people who were killed, innocent people held in prisons and children who were kidnapped. That's why we can never forget these and we will not forget them. I hope our partners are on the same page as us." Zelenskyy said, "Everyone who is responsible for starting this war without any provocation will one day be held accountable. Of course, after the most difficult stages of this war are over, even if the diplomatic process is started, we will make efforts to establish a court. We should never forget these names and criminals."

"WE ALL SAW WHAT HAPPENED IN CRIMEA"

Emphasizing that Russia wants to maintain its influence over all countries that were under Russian influence during the Soviet Union period, Zelenskyy said, "The biggest danger is that Russia is trying to expand its influence by using people of Russian origin living in certain regions as an excuse. This is not directly a bad thing, but we all saw what happened in Crimea. I am only sharing my own experiences here. This risk is inevitable for countries that border Russia and societies that include citizens of Russian origin. This is also true for other nations. For example, there are half-Estonian and half-Russian families in Estonia. Similarly, there are children born to Russian mothers and Ukrainian fathers in Ukraine. This is our common history. However, this situation makes certain countries vulnerable to risk. Just like in Crimea and Donbass. Russia first said, 'We are not occupying, we are only defending Russian-speaking people.' So if Ukraine falls, all the countries I mentioned will face similar risks." Zelenskyy, in response to a question about expectations for the next three years, said, "I hope that we will be able to end this war this year, not in three years. The current situation is extremely difficult for all our people." Emphasizing that he cannot talk about the three-year period out of respect for the Ukrainian soldiers and people, but instead how security can be provided, Zelenskyy said, "Because if we are not ready, Russia may come again in ten years. We have to send them back to where they belong, to their own lands, so that they do not return."

"If Ukraine becomes a member of the EU and NATO in the coming years, this will of course provide great support. If we have a stronger army, strong allies and a solid union, Russia will not be able to turn back," Zelenskyy said.