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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World

EU dampens Ukraine plea for 'immediate' membership despite strong support

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a news conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium, February 27, 2022. © Stephanie Lecocq / Pool via Reuters

The European Union has poured cold water on a plea from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for "immediate" membership to the bloc despite strong support from eastern EU states.

EU officials stressed that the adherence procedure takes years, dampening Ukraine's hopes that suddenly becoming part of the European club could help it better weather the Russian invasion and speed up military, financial and political support.

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