Trending Now - Zelensky Slams EU Associate Membership as Risky for Ukraine
WHO:
The Jerusalem Post - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a letter to EU leaders that the removal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban created an opportunity for substantive progress in accession talks.
Al Jazeera - Russian emergency ministry reported 48 casualties, including 12 killed, from a recent attack on a student dormitory in Starobilsk.
The Jerusalem Post - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
The Jerusalem Post - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
The Jerusalem Post - European Council President Antonio Costa
The Jerusalem Post - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Euronews - Helen McEntee, Ireland's foreign minister
Euronews - Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister
WHAT:
Al Jazeera - Zelensky reported that Ukraine has retaken almost 600 square kilometers (230 square miles) of territory since the beginning of the year.
Al Jazeera - Zelensky stated that approximately 86,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the beginning of the year, with at least 59,000 seriously injured.
The Jerusalem Post - Zelensky criticized the proposal for Ukraine to receive "associate" membership in the EU as "unfair."
The Jerusalem Post - Merz proposed allowing Ukraine to participate in EU meetings without a vote as an interim step to full membership.
Euronews - McEntee warned that "associate membership" could leave Ukraine in limbo and hinder its progress toward full membership.
Euronews - Merz's five-page document proposed "associate membership" to give Ukraine access to decision-making bodies without voting rights.
Euronews - Merz suggested that Ukraine could request assistance from other member states in the event of armed aggression through Article 42.7 of the EU treaties.
WHERE:
The Jerusalem Post - The proposal was discussed among EU leaders, including in Berlin, Germany.
Euronews - Ireland is set to take the reins of the EU Council's presidency in July.
WHEN:
Euronews - The EU Council presidency will be held by Ireland starting in July.
Euronews - Ireland will oversee negotiations on Ukraine's EU bid starting in July.
Euronews - The German letter aims to lift the Hungarian veto on Ukraine's accession, with hopes for progress in June.
WHY:
Al Jazeera - Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's stronger positions are forcing Russia to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the war.
The Jerusalem Post - Zelensky stated that it would be "unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union, but remain voiceless."
Euronews - McEntee expressed concern that an associate membership might lead to a two-tiered approach to EU membership.
HOW:
Al Jazeera - Ukraine has increased attacks on infrastructure crucial to Russia’s military and economy, including a recent strike on a refinery in Yaroslavl.
Euronews - Merz's plan includes a "step-by-step" approach for Ukraine to access certain EU-funded programs.
(UPDATED May 23, 2026 19:18 UTC)
Ukrainian President Zelensky has informed EU leaders that the removal of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban presents a chance for meaningful progress in accession talks. He also reported that Ukraine has reclaimed nearly 600 square kilometers of territory this year and noted the staggering toll on Russian forces, with around 86,000 soldiers killed and at least 59,000 seriously injured. As Ukraine intensifies its military operations, including recent strikes on key Russian infrastructure, Zelensky believes these stronger positions are compelling Russia to consider negotiations to end the conflict.
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(UPDATED May 23, 2026 17:18 UTC)
Ukrainian President Zelensky has criticized the proposal for Ukraine to receive "associate" membership in the EU, calling it "unfair" and expressing concerns about being voiceless within the union. German Chancellor Merz has suggested allowing Ukraine to participate in EU meetings without voting rights as a temporary measure, while Ireland's foreign minister, Helen McEntee, warned that such a status could leave Ukraine in limbo and hinder its path to full membership. As Ireland prepares to take over the EU Council's presidency in July, negotiations on Ukraine's EU bid will begin, with hopes for progress on lifting the Hungarian veto in June.