Selenskyj demands EU accession negotiations – the night update without photos No criminal case against rapper Travis Scott after the festival accident

More than 16 months after the start of Russia’s offensive war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the call for his country to have concrete prospects for EU membership in the near future. “Ukraine affects the strength of Europe. That is a fact,” Zelenskyj said in his evening video address on Thursday. “And this year is the time to use these and other facts to strengthen unity in Europe – starting with the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership.”

Meanwhile, former US Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Ukraine. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was also received by Selenskyj in Kiev.

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The EU offers Kiev no far-reaching security guarantees

For the time being, the EU has not promised Ukraine far-reaching security guarantees for the time after a possible end to the Russian offensive war. At the EU summit in Brussels, the heads of state and government of the member states could only make a vague statement about their willingness to contribute to “future security commitments”. This term does not usually include direct military support. It is therefore considered weaker than that of security guarantees.

Last year, the EU made Ukraine, which had been attacked by Russia, an official candidate for accession. So far, Kiev has fulfilled two of the seven requirements for starting accession negotiations. It’s about a stronger fight against corruption – especially at a high level. In October, the European Commission will decide whether to recommend to EU heads of state and government to start accession negotiations with Ukraine. However, this is not a guarantee of membership.

Former US Vice President Pence visits Ukraine

With a visit to Ukraine, former US Vice President Pence clearly supported the country under attack. In doing so, he also made clear his position in the competition for the US Republican presidential candidacy for the 2024 election. “It is vital that America continues to lead on the world stage. That we resist the naked aggression that we have seen here,” said the 64-year-old in an interview with an NBC journalist, which according to the American broadcaster was recorded in the town of Moschchun, not far from Kiev.

Greta Thunberg in Kiev – talks about war-related environmental damage

Swedish environmental activist Thunberg also visited Kiev. Together with an international working group, she wants to map out the environmental damage caused by the Russian offensive war. “We need your professional help,” said President Zelenskyj, who received the group. In particular, he pointed to the horrific devastation in the southern Kherson region caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and subsequent flooding since early June.

“I don’t think the world’s response to this ecocide was enough,” Thunberg said, according to Ukrainian media. “I don’t think any reaction can be enough. Because there are simply no words to describe this brutality.”

What will be important on Friday

Fighting continues in eastern and southern Ukraine. As part of its ongoing counter-offensive, the Ukrainian army is trying to liberate more Russian-held areas.

The EU summit continues in Brussels. The second day of the summit focuses on the EU’s China policy. China should be asked, among other things, to urge Russia to end the war of aggression against Ukraine and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all troops from Ukraine. (sda/dpa)