Borrell: Ukraine’s EU Membership Is Its Strongest Security Guarantee Against Russian Aggression

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasized during his visit to Kyiv on Saturday that Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership is the most significant security guarantee the EU can offer against Russian aggression.

Speaking alongside Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha, Borrell highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s path toward European integration.

The timing of Borrell’s visit, which coincided with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, was a reminder of Europe’s past hopes for peace and cooperation. Reflecting on this shift, Borrell noted, “We thought that the world would be an order of peace and cooperation, but this hope has definitely vanished with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

He underscored Ukraine’s EU candidacy as a pivotal counter to Russia’s renewed push for territory.

“Ukraine is today a candidate to be a member of the European Union, something that was difficult to imagine 35 years ago,” Borrell said. “This is the most important security commitment that we can provide to you.”

His remarks come amid ongoing EU support for Ukraine as it pursues reforms essential for membership, even as the war continues to strain the country’s resources.

Borrell also commended the Ukrainian government and people for their resilience and commitment to these reforms, referring to recent EU reports that highlight Ukraine’s progress.

“I want to congratulate the Ukrainian people, because this is an endeavour for the Ukrainian people, because on the last report that we approved at the European Union Commission, the last member of the European Parliament, under the difficulties that we are living, you still manage to advance on key reforms,” stated Borrell.

This visit marks Borrell’s fifth and final trip to Kyiv as the EU’s chief diplomat, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security as his term concludes.