Scholz offers Ukraine 'associate partner' status instead of fast-track EU membership, says Politico

German Chancellor Scholz reportedly refused Zelenskyy's request for accelerated EU membership during a meeting in Kyiv, according to Politico. He expressed skepticism about Ukraine's prospects for full membership in the coming years and proposed a reduced 'associate partner' status, which would grant access to the EU single market but exclude Kyiv from voting in European institutions. Zelenskyy rejected the proposal, insisting on full membership terms. Europe also denied Zelenskyy's request for additional financial aid to cover Ukraine's budget deficit.