Merz and Zelensky fail to agree on Ukraine's EU membership in Kyiv talks
In short
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and the two did not bridge their positions on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, according to Politico, as cited by Russian outlets. Merz expressed scepticism about Kyiv joining the bloc in the coming years and proposed “associated membership” instead, which Zelensky rejected, saying Ukraine needs “full and equal” membership. Germany pledged a new military support package of about €1 billion and €350 million for the Ukrainian power grid, Vedomosti reported.
Why it matters
The meeting shows that one of Ukraine's largest European backers is not ready to support fast-track EU accession, even as it keeps supplying military and energy aid. The rejection of the associated-membership idea leaves the format of any interim arrangement open, while Germany's aid commitments signal continued support in areas Kyiv treats as urgent: air defence, drones and the power grid.
Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv on 4 October. [ 2 ]
- The two sides did not reach agreement on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, according to Politico, as cited by TASS and Vedomosti. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Merz expressed scepticism about Ukraine joining the EU in the coming years and instead proposed “associated membership”, with access to the single market and observer status in the Council, Commission and Parliament but no voting rights. [ 2 ]
- Zelensky rejected the proposal, saying Ukraine needs “full and equal” membership. [ 2 ]
- Germany committed to a new military support package worth about €1 billion, including missiles, drones and satellite technologies. [ 2 ]
- Berlin will also fund mass production of interceptor drones and provide generators, substations and repair kits worth €350 million for the Ukrainian energy grid. [ 2 ]
- Merz travelled to Kyiv accompanied by the heads of German defence companies, including Siemens Energy, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and Quantum Systems, and by Economy Minister Katerina Reiche. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the German aid package of about €1 billion and the €350 million energy support have been formally agreed or signed. Both figures appear only in Vedomosti's account of Politico's reporting; no official German or Ukrainian statement on the package is cited in the documents.
- Whether the “associated membership” idea was formally tabled as a proposal and what its exact terms would be. The description comes from a single document, Vedomosti citing Politico.
- What the full composition of the German delegation was and what individual companies agreed in Kyiv. Only a partial list of companies is given, in a single document.