JAKARTA - Ukraine became a candidate to join the European Union on Thursday, a bold geopolitical move sparked by the Russian invasion that Kyiv and Brussels hailed as a "historic moment".
Embarking on the long journey to EU membership would be a huge boost to morale in the embattled country, as Russia's attacks on two cities in the eastern Donbas region move toward a "terrifying climax", according to a Ukrainian government adviser.
"Ukraine's future lies in the EU," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter after the official announcement.
"Historic moment," tweeted European Council chief Charles Michel, adding: "Our future together."
The approval of the Kyiv government's application by a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels will anger Russia, as it struggles to impose its will on Ukraine. Moldova also became the official candidate on Thursday, signaling the bloc's intent to reach deep into the former Soviet Union.
Sincerely commend EU leaders’ decision at #EUCO to grant πΊπ¦ a candidate status. It’s a unique and historical moment in πΊπ¦-πͺπΊ relations. Grateful to @CharlesMichel, @vonderleyen and EU leaders for support. Ukraine’s future is within the EU. #EmbraceUkraine https://t.co/o6dJVmTQrn
— ΠΠΎΠ»ΠΎΠ΄ΠΈΠΌΠΈΡ ΠΠ΅Π»Π΅Π½ΡΡΠΊΠΈΠΉ (@ZelenskyyUa) June 23, 2022
Today marks four months of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, since President Vladimir Putin sent it across the border in what he called a special military operation, sparked in part by the West's encroachment into what Russia considers its sphere of influence.
The conflict, which the West sees as a war of aggression that Russia cannot justify, has killed thousands, displaced millions and destroyed cities, while restrictions on food and energy exports have affected countries around the world.
Russia has long opposed closer ties between Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, and Western groups such as the European Union and the NATO military alliance.
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Diplomats say Ukraine will need a decade or more to meet the criteria for joining the EU. But European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was confident Ukraine and Moldova would move as quickly as possible to implement the necessary reforms.
Their move to join the EU goes hand in hand with applications by Sweden and Finland to enter NATO after the Russian invasion, an indication that the Kremlin's military actions have backfired on its geopolitical goals.
Today is a good day for Europe.
Congratulations to President @ZelenskyyUA President @Sandumaiamd and Prime Minister @GharibashviliGe
Your countries are part of our European family.
And today’s historic decision by Leaders confirms that. pic.twitter.com/lAkv8Bq5fs
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 23, 2022
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