Amid Russia invasion, Ukraine gets candidate status in European Union

New Delhi : European Union leaders on Thursday granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status amid Russian invasion.

The move comes at a time when Russia has closed in on many key cities in the country's embattled east, leading to global concern with restrictions in gas and grains export.

Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the decision and termed it a 'historic moment' for his nation. He also assured that they will win the battle against Russia and emerge out as a powerful nation.

Russia had declared war against Ukraine, claiming that they are targeting the nation to stop attempts from the nation to join NATO.

Ukraine and Moldova will have to go through protracted negotiations and the European Union has laid out steps that Kyiv must take even before that, including bolstering the rule of law and fighting corruption.

The United States, on the other hand, has pledged to provide more advanced High Mobility Artillery Rocket systems to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.