Vita gazette – French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis visited Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion. Scholz said: “For Ukraine to join the EU, the conditions for democracy and the rule of law must be met.”

Before the meeting to discuss Ukraine’s accession to the EU, after the day Russia switched to oil restriction due to technical failures and at a time when Ukraine was demanding new weapons, the leaders who went to Kiev visited Irpin, located in the north-west of the capital. Claiming that they wanted to convey a message about the unity of Europe with their visit, the leaders said they had witnessed the destruction caused by the war.

Scholz: “Germany is positive but!”

Stating that, contrary to what is known, they have faced worst-case scenarios, Scholz said international sanctions should be pursued with determination. On the other hand, Scholz said: “Germany is in favor of a positive decision in favor of Ukraine. This also applies to the Republic of Moldova. For Ukraine’s accession to the EU, the conditions for democracy and the rule of law must be met “.

Draghi: “We will rebuild everything”

Claiming that they want Ukraine to become a member of the EU, Prime Minister Draghi said: “We will rebuild everything. Everything will be rebuilt. All this has already begun. I know where the sites to be rebuilt are, ” he said.

Macron: “We are with you”

Expressing that “Europe supports Ukraine President Macron said: Ukraine can trust us, the security of Europe is determined on the territory of Ukraine”.

However, the final decision on whether to allow the pairs’ EU bid to move forward must be unanimous among all 27 member states, who are due to gather for a European Council summit in Brussels next week.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky officially applied for the country to join the EU  on February 24, although Ukraine has sought candidate status since 2014.

Moldova and Georgia also officially put in requests to join the bloc since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking on February 28, President Zelensky asked the EU to “urgently admit Ukraine using a new procedure…our goal is to be with all Europeans and, to be equal to them. I am sure we deserve it. I am sure it is possible.”

Four months on, the bloc remains divided over the question of Ukraine’s accession.

Most eastern EU countries, such as Poland and the Baltics, strongly support granting Ukraine candidate status, with some also suggesting the country’s bid should be fast-tracked in light of Russia’s growing offensive.

Officials in some EU states, such as Denmark and Portugal, have indicated a strong reluctance to grant Ukraine candidate status, arguing that the country is a long way from meeting the qualifications for starting membership talks.

Other EU governments have voiced their support for moving Ukraine’s candidacy bid forward but are pushing for conditions that make it clear that accession negotiations could not take place until the country is at peace.