We are making Putin pay for his atrocious war! Von der Leyen

On Twitter, EU chief Usula von der Leyen said Ukraine was 'taking notable steps forward to meet our recommendations, while at the same time fighting an invasion.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, February 2, that his war-torn country deserved to start talks "this year" on joining the European Union. "I believe that Ukraine deserves to start negotiations on EU membership this year," Zelensky said Thursday after talks with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.

He said further integration with the European bloc would inspire Ukrainians and give them "motivation" to fight against Russian troops. On Friday, Kyiv hosts a high-profile EU-Ukraine summit.

In June last year, EU leaders granted candidate status to Ukraine, just months after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to the pro-Western country. But the path to full membership remains long despite Kyiv's bullishness, and could take years.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned last May it could take "decades" before Ukraine meets the criteria and achieves full membership. Zelensky said that Ukrainian and EU officials had a "mutual" understanding. "Only together a strong Ukraine and a strong European Union can protect the life we value," Zelensky said. "And that our further integration must give energy and motivation to our people to fight against any obstacles and threats."

'Never been closer'

The Ukrainian leader also said that global pressure on Russia must be increased. "The enemy is at a specific stage when Russia's strategic defeat is already clear," he said. "But tactically, they still have the resources to attempt offensive actions."

On Twitter, von der Leyen said Ukraine was "taking notable steps forward to meet our recommendations, while at the same time fighting an invasion." "We have never been closer," she said, noting that "We are also working on extending tariff-free access to our market."

The talks Thursday came a day after Ukraine expanded its anti-corruption efforts by raiding the residences of an oligarch and a former interior minister, a key issue for Kyiv to secure approval to join the EU.

Von der Leyen said at a press conference with Zelensky that she was "comforted" to see that the corruption crackdown was delivering "tangible results".

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[sleepyjoe]

Oh right we don't pay at all with our 20% increase in food prices in EU and other basic things...

[razorpat]

From what i see, he is making you pay triple

[marvan]

... the blonde who nobody has elected.

[Simondimo-uyxj]

All European people paying heavy price not you madam because you are rich 😢

[victoews]

No to nato. No to war. No to terrorist anglo germans

[ordemeprogresso]

Nobody elected her for being a Nato chief, only US and UK did, and you call that democracy.

[keekeehing]

Leyen, An American appointed governor to rule Europe

[AahFukIt]

Looking at Supermarket's over there, doesn't look like it. More like coping with sanctions in a good way, McDonald's is now back up and looking pretty good. New logo and ingrediense.

[tamasczifra]

Verstecke dich in deiner Mutter. Aus Ungarn

[goldgeezer]

Russia 🇷🇺 not paying as heavy a price as Europe .When this Ukrainian problem is finished then Europe will be too😂

[rbtx]

Europe is getting global importer, that means problems for EU countries magnified