I'm not sure where the figure 70 mil. comes from, and who can say that with such certainty, but whether it's 30 mil or 70 it's still outside of reach, and yes, I am aware of that. It's too bad the Ukrainians don't seem to be.

So that's what I am saying, Ukrainians need to be realistic and not let the EU paint fluffy pink clouds in front of their eyes.
It's hard to imagine that the current leaders don't understand what the real prospects are. I think they do.

The EU can't solve the problems of much smaller and much older member states, so how could it solve the problems in Ukraine, which are more complex on most levels than what the EU normally faces?

Furthermore; Ukraine would be at the top of the list population- and size-wise in the EU. It's unthinkable that Brussels would shift the balance eastwards that much, unless it knew EXACTLY what it was getting, i.e. the most obedient puppies in the Union. Based on the goings-on in Ukraine, that's just not the nature of that country. The EU cannot risk a situation whereby Eastern and Southern countries would be in majority and could shift the economic policies. Ukraine would tip the balance over the equilibrium.

This just isn't going to happen for hundreds of reasons. There is a union that will take Ukraine as it is, and be happy to welcome it, but it's not the EU and it won't be for 15 years, at least, if ever. That's the reality.

Personally I'd love to have Ukraine in the EU like I always said (at least until the violence started) but it's a political decision and people like me do not decide.

I predict it will NEVER join.
Same as Turkey.

Turkey went along with the EUs games for over a decade, like a rabbit chasing a carrot on a stick. Eventually they realised it was mainly just a game, that they were not treated with respect and nothing would come of all their efforts. So they turned to form alliances with other countries in the Middle East.