Day 121 of the Invasion of Ukraine: Kyiv Withdraws from Sievierodonetsk, EU Candidate Status Granted

Here are the highlights of events related to the war in Ukraine over the past 24 hours:

The Council of the EU has approved Ukraine and Moldova receiving candidate status

Yesterday, the Council of the European Union approved Ukraine and Moldova receiving candidate status.

This was announced on Twitter by the President of the Council Charles Michel.

He called the decision a "historic moment" and "a key step on both sides' path to the European Union".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the decision a "unique and historic moment".

He also said on Twitter that Ukraine's future lies in the European Union.

Strong messages followed among politicians in Brussels, as well as among those in power in Kyiv and Chisinau.

"This is a very strong signal to Russia that the union supports the pro-Western aspirations of Ukrainians," said union chairman Emmanuel Macron. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, defined the decision as follows:

"This is a historic moment that allows us to outline the EU, after today we decided to give candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and be ready to do the same for Georgia once it meets its priorities. This is a very strong message ".

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed confidence that Ukraine and Moldova would make efforts to adopt the necessary reforms as soon as possible.

Addressing the summit participants, Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision was the most serious step in strengthening Europe in the face of Russian aggression. And added:

"The Ukrainian and European flags will be together and when we will rebuild our country together after this war...