Ukraine 'not asking for discounts' on path to EU - Zelensky

MOSCOW. Nov 7 (Interfax) - Ukraine is not asking for discounts as it seeks membership in the European Union and is abiding by all recommendations issued by the European Commission, Ukrainian media said, citing President Vladimir Zelensky's remarks made on Saturday at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"We have fulfilled the recommendations required for the opening of accession negotiations. It concerns both the rule of law, the protection of human rights and freedoms of national communities, greater transparency in the functioning of state institutions and the strengthening of anti-corruption infrastructure," Zelensky said.

The president singled out a lobby bill, which "will increase the transparency of political processes and will reliably protect the state from the destructive influence of oligarchs and other persons who try to circumvent the rule of law."

"It is highly important to ensure that the support of Europe and other partners of ours remains stable and reliable," he said.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, in turn, said at his meeting with von der Leyen that Ukraine expects to receive "a positive conclusion on the implementation of the seven recommendations and to start pre-accession negotiations" on Ukraine's EU membership, according to Ukrainian media.

Hopefully, Ukraine will become a member of the European Union in the near future, Shmygal said.