Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was unable to attend the European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels in person due to the need to return to Ukraine because of logistical circumstances. This was reported by representatives of the Euro Council, emphasizing that Zelensky was invited to the meeting, but he could not come.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“Logistical reasons – he needed to return to Ukraine,” EU officials informed Radio Free Europe, who were aware of the summit’s proceedings.
Zelensky to Join the Summit Online
Despite his absence in Brussels, the President of Ukraine will participate in the European Council summit remotely via video link. He is scheduled to join the discussions in the afternoon of June 26. The President’s office has not yet provided any official comments regarding the situation.
Context of the Summit and Political Prospects
On the eve of the summit, Volodymyr Zelensky was abroad on an official visit. From Strasbourg, where he signed an agreement to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression on the evening of June 25, the president returned to Ukraine.
The European Council summit runs from June 26 to 27. This is the last major event during Poland’s presidency of the EU Council, which ends on June 30. Poland has emphasized the initiation of official negotiations regarding Ukraine and Moldova’s accession to the EU in the first half of 2025. However, due to Hungary’s veto, these plans cannot currently be implemented for Ukraine.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, in response to a question about the opening of negotiation clusters, noted that the European Union must provide “hope to Ukrainians” regarding Eurointegration. He stressed the need for positive outcomes from the EU summit, especially if there is no progress on NATO for Ukraine.