Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the European Union's expected offer of candidate status.
Speaking in an evening video address, Zelenskyy said how he had been conversing with European leaders since early this morning for 'the sake of a positive decision on the candidacy for Ukraine,' with talks expected to continue.
European leaders will formally set Ukraine on the long road to EU membership at a summit in Brussels on June 23. Though mainly symbolic, the move will help lift national morale at a very difficult time in a four-month conflict.
Diplomats say it will take Ukraine a decade or more to meet the criteria for joining the EU. But EU leaders say the bloc must make a gesture that recognizes Ukraine's sacrifice.
