Ukraine could join the European Union as early as January 2027 under the latest US plan to end the war with Russia, a senior source familiar with the matter told AFP on Friday. The complicated EU accession process usually takes years and requires a unanimous vote from all 27 members of the bloc, and some countries, most notably Hungary, have consistently voiced opposition to Ukraine joining. The idea of a speedy accession is included in the latest version of a US-led plan to end the war, which would also see Ukraine cede land to Russia, and has triggered a diplomatic frenzy across Europe in recent weeks. “It’s stated there but it’s a matter for negotiation, and the Americans support it,” the senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to the US plan. Washington has the leverage needed to convince leaders opposed to Ukraine’s membership to change their stance, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists, including AFP, on Thursday. “The United States can …