EU members are expected to award candidate status to Kyiv at a summit in Brussels later this week.
President Zelensky signed a bid for EU membership just days after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine
The move would begin the process of Ukraine's accession to the alliance, which could take years to complete.Speaking during his nightly address from Kyiv, the Ukrainian leader said he and his advisors expect "greater hostile activity" from Moscow, but told citizens that his forces "are preparing" and are ready for any renewed assault.
"I think it is obvious to everyone that since 1991 there have been few such fateful decisions for Ukraine as we expect now," Mr Zelensky said, referencing the year Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union. "And I am convinced that only a positive decision meets the interests of the whole of Europe.
"Obviously, we should expect greater hostile activity from Russia," he said. "And not only against Ukraine, but also against other European countries." The UK defence ministry said on Sunday that despite both Russia and Ukraine conducting heavy artillery bombardments on axes to the north, east and south of the city, there has been very little change to positions on the front line.could turn into a protracted conflict.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The EU has begun debating how to fund the reconstruction of UkraineUkraine has a reputation for corruption. The EU will have to work hard to reassure donors that their money will not be wasted
Read more »
The EU should declare Ukraine a candidate for membershipIt would be difficult to decide how to treat people and goods from Ukraine's occupied areas. But the EU admitted Cyprus even though it does not control a third of its territory
Read more »
Leaving Horizon would jeopardise research in Britain and the EUShould Britain scrap the Northern Ireland protocol, it risks losing access to the world’s biggest multilateral funding programme for scientific research
Read more »
War on its doorstep has rekindled talk of enlarging the EUFor now Germany, Italy and France are focused on Ukraine joining the EU proper. But this process requires unanimous approval from all members
Read more »
Ukraine war could last for years, warns Nato chiefJens Stoltenberg says the costs of war are high but the price of letting Moscow win is even greater.
Read more »