Ukraine may have to make territorial concessions. Mertz

“At some point, Ukraine will sign a cease-fire agreement with Russia, and I hope, at some point, a peace treaty as well. In that case, it may happen that a part of the territory of Ukraine will no longer be Ukrainian,” said Mertz during a meeting with students, adding that President Zelensky should get the consent of the majority of the people for this, showing them that he is “opening a path to Europe.”

Kyiv’s EU accession process was previously blocked by Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, but his defeat in the elections raised hopes that the process could move to the next stage. Ukraine currently has the status of an official candidate for EU membership.

However, Mertz warned that Ukraine cannot join the European Union while it is in a state of war.

“The idea of ​​joining the EU from January 1, 2027 is not realistic. Even January 1, 2028 is not realistic,” added Mertz, suggesting intermediate steps. One of them, for example, according to the German chancellor, is for Ukraine to receive observer status in EU structures, which, according to him, is supported by European leaders.

“Ukraine is a European country. That is why we must be open to new members. The EU should not become an exclusive club,” said Friedrich Mertz.