The executive arm of the European Union has recommended that Ukraine have the status of a candidate to one day join the bloc of 27 nations.
The promise of belonging to a union created to safeguard peace on the continent has deep symbolism for the nation at war. But it is only the first step in a process that could take decades.
KIEV, UKRAINE – JUNE 16: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as French President Emmanuel Macron turns his back on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Leaders made their first visits to Ukraine since the country was invaded by Russia on February 24th. Credit: Getty Images
And he has not silenced the weapons and artillery that continue to kill civilians and flatten cities, as well as sending millions to flee their homes since Russia launched its neighbor’s invasion on February 24.
Russia has stepped up its attacks on cities in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, leaving desperate residents struggling to make sense of what lies ahead for years to come.
“We are old people, we have nowhere to go. “Where am I going?” Asked Vira Miedientseva, one of the elderly residents who was struggling with the aftermath of Thursday’s attack on Lysychansk, just across the Sievierodonsk River, a key focus of the fighting. of the last few weeks that the Russians have almost captured.
The European Commission’s recommendation is the first step on the long road to membership and comes a day after four European Union leaders pledged to support Kyiv’s candidacy. The recommendation will be discussed by the leaders of the 27-nation bloc during a summit next week in Brussels. The launch of accession talks requires the unanimous approval of all member countries.
The war has increased pressure on EU governments to accelerate Ukraine’s candidate status. But the process is still expected to take years and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully open their arms to the new members.
In other developments:
– The Ukrainian navy said on Friday that it had hit a Russian ship carrying air defense systems on a strategic island in the Black Sea. In a statement on social media, the Navy said the Vasily Bekh was used to transport ammunition, weapons and personnel to Snake Island, which is vital for protecting sea lanes outside the key port of Odessa. . He did not say how much damage he caused with the strike.