Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European leaders to officially begin the process of bringing Ukraine into the European Union as a full member. He said this is the right moment for Europe to make a strong decision about Ukraine’s future. In a letter sent to EU leaders, Zelenskyy rejected the idea of giving Ukraine only “associate membership.” According to him, such a status would not give Ukraine voting rights inside the EU. He said this would leave the country “voiceless” and unable to properly defend its political and economic interests. Ukraine has been trying to join the EU for years, but the process became much more important after Russia launched its full invasion in February 2022. Kyiv believes EU membership would strengthen its economy, security, and political future. Ukraine’s hopes for joining the bloc improved recently after political changes in Hungary. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had often blocked Ukraine’s EU membership efforts and delayed aid packages for Kyiv because of his close ties with Moscow. After his removal from power, Ukrainian leaders now believe there is a better chance of progress. While Ukraine pushes for closer ties with Europe, fighting on the battlefield continues to grow. Both Ukraine and Russia are trying to strengthen their positions before any future negotiations. Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out a deadly attack on a student dormitory in the Russian-controlled town of Starobilsk. Russian emergency officials said at least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured. Rescue teams were still searching for people trapped under the rubble. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a response to the attack, and Russian officials warned that those responsible would face severe punishment. However, Ukraine denied targeting the dormitory. Ukrainian officials said their forces attacked an elite Russian drone command center located in the area. Kyiv insisted that its military follows international humanitarian law and does not intentionally target civilians. Ukraine also claimed responsibility for attacks deep inside Russian territory. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck the Metafrax Chemical plant in Russia’s Perm region, around 1,700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. According to him, the factory produces materials used in Russian military industries, including missile engines, drones, explosives, and aircraft equipment. He said the strike temporarily stopped production at the facility, which Ukraine views as a major success because it affects Russia’s military supply chain. At the same time, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Russian energy infrastructure. A refinery in the city of Yaroslavl was hit, while drone debris caused a fire at an oil terminal in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk. Russian officials said at least two people were injured in the incident. Ukraine has increasingly focused on attacking Russia’s industrial and energy facilities. Kyiv believes these strikes weaken Moscow’s economy and reduce its ability to continue the war. Zelenskyy also claimed that Ukrainian forces have regained nearly 600 square kilometres of territory since the start of 2026. According to him, these gains show that Russia is losing momentum on the battlefield. He said Ukrainian troops are increasing pressure on Russian forces and causing heavy losses. Zelenskyy claimed that around 86,000 Russian soldiers have been killed this year, while tens of thousands more have been injured or captured. Russia has not confirmed these numbers. The Ukrainian leader believes that military pressure, combined with international sanctions on Russia, is forcing Moscow to consider diplomacy and negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials warn that Russia may still be preparing for another major offensive. Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest Russian troops are regrouping along parts of the front line and could launch new attacks in the coming months. The war has now lasted more than four years and has caused massive destruction across Ukraine. Thousands of civilians have been killed, millions have been displaced, and entire cities have been damaged or destroyed. Despite the heavy losses, Ukraine continues to push for stronger support from Western countries. EU membership remains one of Kyiv’s biggest goals because leaders believe it would provide long-term political stability and economic growth. For many Ukrainians, joining the European Union is also symbolic. It represents a future connected more closely with Europe rather than Russia. However, the path to membership is still difficult. All EU member states must approve Ukraine’s accession, and several countries remain cautious because of the war, economic concerns, and fears of escalating tensions with Russia. Even so, Zelenskyy says Ukraine has already proven its commitment to European values through its resistance during the war. He believes Europe should now respond by opening the door to full membership talks. As fighting continues across the region, the political battle over Ukraine’s future in Europe is becoming just as important as the military conflict on the ground.