Volodomyr Zelensky argued that Europe's collective strength was possible "thanks to Ukraine's security, technological, and economic contributions".

08:04, Wed, Jan 28, 2026 Updated: 08:05, Wed, Jan 28, 2026

Russia Ukraine War (26027725335092)

Firefighters put out a fire after Russian airstrikes in the Kharkiv region (Image: AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named 2027 as the target date for his country’s accession to the European Union, calling it a concrete goal and a cornerstone security guarantee amid Russia’s unrelenting war. In a post on X after talks with Austria’s Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine’s EU membership would strengthen Europe’s collective power through Ukraine’s security, technological and economic contributions.

Mr Zelensky wrote: “That is why we are speaking about a concrete date – 2027 – and we count on partners’ support for our position.” He further noted: “Europe’s collective strength is possible, in particular, thanks to Ukraine’s security, technological, and economic contributions.” The declaration comes as Russian forces continue to hammer Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a winter campaign designed to leave millions without power and heating. Overnight on Tuesday, missiles and drones struck several regions, including Kyiv.

During a conversation with Federal Chancellor of Austria @_CStocker, we discussed the energy situation in Ukraine. Russia strikes energy infrastructure every day to leave Ukrainians without electricity and heat, and it is very important that partners respond to this. That is why… pic.twitter.com/TIsmncBYMe

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 27, 2026

Air defences intercepted threats over the capital, but debris from the downed aircraft damaged homes in the Holosiivskyi district and sparked a fire. Two people – a man and a woman – were killed in nearby Bilohorodka, while others received treatment.

Further strikes hit Kryvyi Rih, injuring a 51-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man, and damaged an infrastructure facility. Air raid alerts had earlier sounded across Odesa, Mykolaiv and other cities.

Mr Zelensky told the Austrian Chancellor that Russia struck energy infrastructure every day to leave Ukrainians without electricity and heat, stressing that it was very important that partners respond to this. He thanked Vienna for last week’s funding to bolster the sector, stating: “We also discussed other ways to support our energy system.”

The conversation also covered trilateral talks held in the United Arab Emirates last week between Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations. Mr Zelensky noted: “The parties primarily discussed military issues, but they also talked about security guarantees.”

President Zelensky Attends Coalition Of The Willing Meeting

Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky by phone earlier this week (Image: Getty)

He stressed that EU accession ranks among the most important safeguards. Mr Zelensky added: “Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is one of the key security guarantees not only for us, but also for all of Europe.”

The push for a firm 2027 timeline aligns with wider diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Zelensky by phone before travelling to China and Japan.

Downing Street said the leaders reviewed progress from the Abu Dhabi talks and agreed on the urgent need for a just and lasting peace.

Sir Keir told Mr Zelensky: “Russia must end the continued bloodshed” and that Ukraine has already demonstrated its commitment to peace. The Prime Minister pledged continued close cooperation with international partners to support Ukraine’s security.

Mr Zelensky responded on X: UK backing remains “crucial… not only with words but also through concrete energy aid packages.”

He described the UAE discussions as constructive and said they would resume later in the week.

Mr Zelensky wrote: “Ukraine wants to end this war as quickly as possible,” adding that Kyiv is prepared to work round the clock for peace – and calling on Russia to show the same readiness instead of targeting civilian infrastructure.

The latest attacks follow deadly strikes in Odesa and Kharkiv, and come weeks before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Mr Zelensky invited Chancellor Stocker to visit Ukraine so the dialogue can continue face-to-face