First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Korniyenko believes it is possible for Ukraine to join the European Union as part of a "package" together with Balkan countries that have long been on the path toward EU accession. "We are in favor, not against. Let's all join together in a package, and let's do it quickly," he said. At the same time, he noted that this would require all participating countries to do their "homework," since many of them, like Ukraine, face complex regional issues. He emphasized the lingering influence of the Russian Federation in the Balkans, a region historically known for its volatility. Therefore, Ukraine would need to coordinate positions not only with Balkan countries but also with key southern EU players like Greece, Italy, and Austria.