In Europe, it is believed that Kyiv will not agree to territorial concessions without EU membership.

According to the European Commission, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not make concessions on territorial issues without guarantees of the country's membership in the European Union. For Kyiv, integration into the EU is a key aspect of its future after the end of hostilities, as reported by the Financial Times.

A new two-tier structure is being developed in Brussels aimed at accelerating Ukraine's accession process to the EU; however, this raises concerns among European capitals.

The proposed plan suggests that Ukraine would join the EU with limited decision-making powers. European officials clarify that at the first stage, Ukraine will not have voting rights at EU summits and ministerial meetings, and access to certain sectors of the single European market, as well as funding and subsidies, will be granted gradually, depending on Kyiv's achievement of pre-agreed conditions.

The European Commission believes that Zelensky may consider some compromises in a peace agreement, including territorial concessions, only if he can demonstrate a positive outcome in the form of Ukraine's EU membership.

Currently, the draft peace agreement plans for Ukraine to join the bloc by January 1, 2027.