It has never happened before that a country started accession negotiations in a war situation. The EU shows Ukraine how important their cooperation is, and sends a clear message to Russia that it does not accept their actions. Unfortunately, there are clear divisions within the EU. It is worth noting, however, that the European Commission – including Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel – significantly help to consolidate internal European support for Ukraine. Some European countries are breaking away from the European narrative because they are afraid of a nuclear escalation of the conflict and at the same time they are thinking about arranging relations with Russia after it ends. Europe, unlike the United States, would like this war to end quickly. Not at any cost, but quickly.

Volodymyr Zelensky expects a continuation of Russia’s criminal activities, which is why he signed decrees extending martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days. Russian troops must be militarily compromised before the Russian authorities sit down to the negotiating table, says Dr. Małgorzata Bonikowska, president of the Centre for International Relations.