In Kyiv, Polish President Andrzej Duda affirmed Ukraine’s belonging in the EU and NATO, stressing support until victory and accountability for Russia.
Duda on Ukraine’s EU Path
Andrzej Duda stated Ukraine already belongs to the European Union, currently in spirit, but its full membership is not an act of charity, but one of justice and strategic necessity.
Ukraine has held official candidate status for EU membership since June 2022, with accession negotiations underway and a screening process completed in September of last year.
The European Commission detailed a thorough analysis of Ukraine’s alignment with EU law and its plans for adaptation, assessing its readiness for membership.
Security Guarantees and NATO Membership
Duda emphasized Ukraine deserves clear security guarantees from NATO and a defined path toward full membership, should the Ukrainian people desire it.
NATO has affirmed its intention to support Ukraine’s irreversible path to membership, stating it will be ready to invite Ukraine when allies agree and conditions are met.
President Zelenskyy stated in October 2024 that Ukraine’s key goal is full NATO membership, asserting Ukrainians deserve to be the alliance’s thirty-third member.
Post-War Reconstruction and Russian Accountability
Duda advocated for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction to be led by Ukrainians themselves, funded primarily by frozen Russian assets.
He insisted the war must end with a just peace and Russia must be held accountable, including the complete dismantling of projects like the Nord Stream pipeline, which he deems a threat to European security.
No Fatigue with the War
Duda declared there is no room for war fatigue, assuring continued support for Ukraine until victory, which he framed as a win for the democratic world and European security.
Kyiv Security Forum
The Kyiv Security Forum, an annual international event organized by the Open Ukraine Foundation since 2007, took place on April 23-24.