Zelensky hails European Commission opinion on EU candidate status for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the decision by the European Commission recommending that Ukraine be granted the status of a candidate for EU membership and expressed hope for the positive results of next week's European Council meeting.

The head of state said this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

"I commend the positive European Commission conclusion on Ukraine's candidate status. It's the 1st step on the EU membership path that'll certainly bring our Victory closer. Grateful to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen & each EC member for a historic decision. I expect the positive result from the European Council next week," Zelensky said.

The European Commission earlier recommended that Ukraine be granted the EU candidate status, which is a mandatory formal step before the issue is considered at the European Council.

The European Council will consider Ukraine's application for candidate status for membership in the European Union at its meeting on June 23-24.

Photo: President's Office