Ukraine could become a member of the European Union after the EU Commission proposed it as a candidate, the first step on a long road to membership in the war-torn nation.
Ukraine has registered to become a member of the bloc less than a week after Russia first invaded the country.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the news from Brussels as a “big step forward”.
On Thursday, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania all visited Ukraine and vowed to support Kyiv as the official candidate.
Ukraine live news: Russian army ‘poisoned by the cherry they stole’
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has “excellent” support from these countries.
“It was important for me to hear another fundamental thing from the leaders – they agreed that the end of the war in Ukraine and peace must be defined exactly as Ukraine sees it,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. take”.
“As our people see them.”
The move does not appear to be in favor of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who does not want Ukraine to have close ties with the West.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Ukraine explains EU membership bid
The recommendation will now be discussed by the leaders of the 27 EU member states at next week’s summit in Brussels. All members must agree to any new country joining, along with the pace of negotiations and the terms on which that country joins.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Ukrainians are ready to die for the European prospect.
“We want them to live with us, the European dream.”
Ursula Von Der Leyen wore a Ukrainian shirt when announcing the decision
However, the decision was based on the understanding that Ukraine had implemented some reforms, Von der Leyen added.
“Ukraine has clearly demonstrated its country’s aspirations and its determination to live up to European values and standards,” she said.
Subscribe to the daily podcast onApple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify,Speaker
Candidate status is also proposed for Moldova, while things are still a bit more complicated for Georgia, which also has registered membership.
Ms. Von der Leyen said that although Georgia has made a strong petition, it is not yet politically united.
