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Kiev hosts the historic EU-Ukraine summit amid bombings, what happened today

Kiev hosts the historic EU-Ukraine summit amid bombings, what happened today

We've just heard from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference with EU officials in Kiev.

President Zelensky hosted European Union leaders in Kiev to discuss Ukraine's entry into the bloc. Ukraine was granted official EU candidate status last June, but it could be years before Kiev achieves full membership

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that there are no set deadlines for when Ukraine can join the EU, but there are objectives that Kiev must achieve. EU chief Charles Michel said the EU will support Ukraine in any way it can

Von der Leyen said the EU's next package of sanctions would target technology found in Russian missiles and drones. Zelensky called on the EU to ensure that Russia cannot rebuild its military capabilities

Michel said €18bn (£16bn) in financial aid to Ukraine was already planned for 2023. Earlier, EU Commission Vice President Josep Borrell confirmed a €25m (£22m) package. He said demining action is crucial to saving lives.

Manufacturers in Germany have been authorized to send up to 88 Leopard 1 tanks to Kiev in a bid to bolster Ukraine's fight against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently agreed to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine amid pressure from other countries to send more military support to Ukraine.

Source: BBC

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