Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed hope that EU accession negotiations could begin in the first half of 2024, pending European Council approval of the European Commission's draft framework.

We are waiting and wishing to obtain the approval of the European Council at their next meeting [this week], and believe we can begin accession negotiations in the first half of this year

We hope that our European partners will approve it without any additional amendments, as the European Commission proposes

President Charles Michel named 2030 a possible target year for further EU enlargement, but we will do our best for Ukraine that it could happen earlier

We will get up to speed double-time – I believe that it will not take us more than two years

Ukraine expects to start accession negotiations with the EU in the first half of this year

The European Commission sent its draft negotiating framework for Ukraine's and Moldova's accession talks to member states

The Ukrainian government believes the negotiations on the country's accession to the European Union can start in the first half of 2024

Ukraine aims to complete EU accession within two years

Ukraine hopes to start EU accession negotiations in first half of 2024