After many weeks of build-up, the European Council officially granted European Union candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova on Thursday, opening up the long road to accession to the EU.
While the process of becoming an EU member is likely to take years, European leaders have commended the "historic day for Ukrainians and Moldovans."
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also praised the move, thanking EU leaders for their support and affirming that this marks the biggest step in strengthening Europe.
"Ukraine’s future is within the EU," he said, pointing out that Russia’s war is "testing our ability to stay free and united."
Ukraine and Moldova are now joining North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey.
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