Ukraine’s push for a fast track into the European Union as part of any peace deal has hit stiff resistance from EU governments, who do not want to open the Pandora’s box of problems that they fear a quick accession would unleash, writes Reuters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wants a 2027 date to join the EU as part of a settlement to end Russia"s war, hoping this would anchor his country in Europe’s main political club and offer a path to greater prosperity, security and stability.

A clear route into the EU could be vital for Zelenskiy in selling any peace settlement to Ukrainians, particularly if - as is widely expected - Ukraine does not regain control of all of its territory or join the NATO military alliance, analysts say.

But EU governments - including heavyweights France and Germany - have privately voiced scepticism about a mooted reform of the accession process that would shorten Ukraine"s path to membership, diplomats say. Reuters spoke with eight European diplomats and officials, and many pointed to unease among EU capitals about the idea.

Among their ⁠concerns is that Ukraine and others would not press on with reforms, such as cracking down on corruption, if it has already been granted EU membership.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and lead EU negotiator Taras Kachka told Reuters that Kyiv was ready to address EU members’ concerns. He proposed safeguards such as a monitoring system to check Kyiv was sticking to democratic standards and a transition period before it received EU farm subsidies.

But he said a political commitment to a membership date would be important: “This is necessary for the peace process, for the establishing of long-lasting and just peace in Europe”.