Delegates from Ukraine started membership talks with the European Union in Luxembourg on Tuesday. The move comes more than two years after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for his country to be admitted into the EU in the wake of the Russian invasion.

Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna is working to align Ukrainian laws and standards with those of the bloc alongside EU leaders.

Belgium currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency. Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said the accession negotiations will be “rigorous and demanding,” but EU members are confident in Ukraine’s capacity to bring them to a “successful conclusion.”

Stefanishyna said Ukraine firmly believes that the negotiations mark a “historic milestone” and that it is only the “beginning” of a longer relationship.

EU authorities have asked Ukraine to reform the justice system, address corruption and protect minority rights. Ukrainian officials claim they have done their “homework” by passing legislation to meet those requirements.

However, Hungary, which will take over the rotating EU presidency next month, maintains close relations with Russia. Leaders say Ukraine is still “very far” from meeting the EU “criteria.” Some media say that is why other members pushed to start the talks now.

Zelenskyy knows the process could take years. Still, he says Ukrainians are capable of realizing even their “biggest dreams.”