Germany proposes associate EU membership for Ukraine

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed offering Ukraine an 'associate membership' in the European Union, a status that would provide some benefits of EU membership but fall short of full membership. The plan has received mixed reactions, with some supporting it as a pragmatic step and others criticizing it for not meeting Ukraine's demands for full membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready for new talks in the coming weeks and hopes the EU will join diplomatic efforts. The proposal comes as Ukraine continues to push for closer integration with Western institutions amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.