Ukraine membership of EU is 'not for tomorrow': French minister

PARIS

: The topic of

Ukraine

entering into the European Union is 'not for tomorrow', said French European Affairs Minister

Clement Beaune

, as EU leaders gathered in

France

to discuss the crisis caused by

Russia

's invasion of Ukraine.

"It will take time," added Beaune, referring to debates in international political circles over whether or not to give Ukraine a fast-track entry into the EU as a gesture of

solidarity

for Ukraine in light of the Russian invasion.

European Union leaders will phase out buying Russian oil, gas and coal as Moscow's war on Ukraine makes them realise they have to be less dependent on Russia, a draft declaration showed, but they are unlikely to offer Ukraine the fast EU membership it seeks.