Brussels is seeking ways to neutralize Hungary so that Ukraine could be admitted to the bloc, sources say

EU officials are considering offering Ukraine a limited formal membership that would bypass the need for Kiev to meet normal entry requirements, Politico has reported.

Brussels' main goal is to ensure that Kiev stays on the accession path rather than turn its back on the West, the outlet said on Tuesday, citing five diplomats and five officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Ukraine seeks full EU membership in 2027 and wants it included in a US-mediated peace deal with Russia. The EU plan would give Kiev "a seat at the EU table before carrying out the reforms needed for full membership privileges," Politico wrote. A separate Bloomberg report said a "gradual membership" is under review.

The proposed "membership-lite" model - also intended for Moldova and Albania - necessitates the overcoming of opposition from Budapest. Politico's sources said proponents hope Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban loses April's parliamentary election. If he wins, they expect US President Donald Trump to pressure him. Another option is suspending Hungary's voting rights via Article 7 procedures.

Germany reportedly opposes the plan but could be swayed by pro-Ukrainian governments in France, Italy and Poland.

Moscow has blamed Brussels for provoking the Ukraine crisis by forcing a choice between the bloc and Russia. The 2014 Euromaidan coup was triggered when Kiev postponed an EU association agreement that would have ended its free trade deal with Moscow.

EU officials claim Ukraine is progressing on required reforms, but recent corruption scandals involving senior officials have cast doubts regarding Kiev's commitment.

Ukrainian lawmakers have also resisted unpopular changes. Verkhovna Rada Financial Committee Chair Daniil Getmantsev warned last week that obstructing MPs could cause a budgetary "disaster" if their inaction blocks further international loans.

(RT.com)