Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa on Monday expressed “full support” for a speedier European Union (EU) membership procedure for Ukraine, responding to a call for support by his Ukrainian counterpart.
“You have our full support,” tweeted Jansa, who along with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called earlier on the European Council to take “quick and courageous decisions” to admit Ukraine into the EU.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala was also cited as saying that it was necessary to give a clear signal that Ukraine was welcome in Europe’s community of democratic countries.
The support expressed by the Slovenian and Czech prime ministers comes on the heels of a request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday asking the EU to allow his country to gain membership under a special procedure immediately as it defends itself from invasion by Russian forces.
“Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal. I’m sure that’s fair. I am sure we deserve it,” he said in a video speech shared on social media.”
The support expressed by the two premiers is bound to irk Russian President Vladimir Putin who is against Ukraine joining NATO.