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Topics: Ukraine, Russia, World News, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin
Shola Lee
Topics: Ukraine, Russia, World News, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has taken to Twitter to urge that Ukraine become part of the EU amid ongoing conflict in the country.
Today, February 26, marks the third day of war between Russia and Ukraine.
While Zelensky has remained defiant by staying in the country's capital, he has urged Europe to do more.
Now, in a tweet this morning, Zelensky said Ukraine should be allowed to join the European Union (EU).
'This is the beginning of a new page in the history of our states... #MarioDraghi in a phone conversation supported Russia's disconnection from SWIFT, the provision of defense assistance. Ukraine must become part of the #EU,' Zelensky wrote.
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In another tweet, the president said, 'Ukraine is fighting the invader with weapons in hands, defending its freedom and European future', adding that he believes the EU 'also chooses Ukraine'.
Prior to this, Zelensky said today the 'crucial moment' to decide on Ukraine's membership in the EU had come.
While Ukraine is not currently part of the EU or NATO, it has been a years-long goal of the country to join.
The potential for Ukraine to join either alliance became a source of conflict during the weeks leading up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Russian president Vladimir Putin asking NATO to rule out the potential of Ukraine joining, per iNews.
Despite not being a member of the EU or NATO, both alliances have taken action amid Putin's invasion.
As reported by The Guardian, NATO is sending extra troops to countries in eastern Europe that are part of the alliance, while the EU is imposing tougher sanctions.
The first wave of EU sanctions are set to be 'targeting 70% of the Russian banking market', president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said during a series of tweets yesterday, February 25.
She went on to add that the second wave of sanctions look to target the energy sector, the Independent reports.
One such economic sanction that was being considered was SWIFT, as Zelensky mentioned in his earlier tweet.
SWIFT is an online payment network that is essential to the smooth running of monetary transactions across the world.
Amid a spate of sanctions being imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine, European Union foreign ministers have discussed banning Russia from the payment network, BBC News reports.
However, while EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said that excluding Russia 'was considered', the move didn't get 'necessary unanimity' so remains a 'future consideration'.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information