'Waited for 30 years, 120 warfare days': Zelensky on Ukraine's EU candidate standing | World News

President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the European Union's determination on Thursday to grant Ukraine official EU candidate standing as "a novel and historic second".

The anticipated determination, taken whereas Ukraine is being attacked by Russian forces "is a novel and historic second in Ukraine-EU relations," Zelensky stated on Twitter, including that "Ukraine's future is throughout the EU".

"We've got simply obtained the candidacy. That is our victory," Zelensky stated in a 55-seconds video on his Instagram.

"We've got waited for it for 120 days and for 30 years," he stated, referring to the variety of days Ukraine has been at warfare since Russia's February twenty fourth invasion and three many years since Ukraine declared independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

He insisted Ukraine would emerge victorious after which relaxation -- after rebuilding the nation.

"Or in all probability even - we are going to win, rebuild, enter the EU after which will relaxation. Or in all probability we won't relaxation."

At any fee, he insisted that "we are going to win for positive."

Zelensky reacted inside minutes after EU leaders on Thursday agreed to grant candidate standing to Ukraine and Moldova, because the bloc's chief Charles Michel recognized "a historic second (which) marks an important step in your path in direction of the EU."

The Ukrainian president , in a separate assertion, stated the transfer was "the start line of a brand new historical past for Europe. Europe with out divisions".

."In the present day you might have made some of the essential selections for Ukraine for all 30 years of independence of our state<" he added in a message to the leaders of the 27 EU nations.

Ukrainian International Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded to Michel's announcement by stating in a brief video with EU overseas coverage chief Josep Borrell that "as we speak marks the start of a protracted journey that we are going to stroll collectively.

"The Ukrainian folks belong to the European household. Ukraine's future is with the EU. We stand collectively for peace. Ukraine will prevail. Europe will prevail."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal additionally saluted a "historic day" and a brand new stage within the building of Europe."

The top of Zelensky's workplace, Mikhailo Podolyak, forecast a transfer that might herald the top of the "Russian world" in Ukraine.

On Twitter he conceded that deep reforms had been wanted forward of becoming a member of the bloc.

"(A) troublesome path is forward, however the principle factor is confirmed: we're a part of the civilized world and have separate methods with the Zombieland," a reference to Russia.

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