Russia-Ukraine conflict: EU backs Ukraine's membership bid, but Kyiv residents have mixed reactions

The President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen announced at a news conference on Friday that the European Union (EU) supports giving formal membership candidate status to Ukraine and made similar recommendations for Moldova and Georgia — a major geopolitical shift brought about by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the country's aspiration and the country's determination to live up to European values and standards... And we all know that Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective. We want them to live with us, the European dream,” Von der Leyen said in her closing remarks.

The blessing of the war-torn country takes it a step closer to joining the European Union. However, the path to membership could take years and is not guaranteed. Talks have been stalled for years with Turkey, officially a candidate since 1999.

Back in Kyiv, Ukraine, residents had mixed feelings upon hearing about the news. “I believe that every area of our life will be better. This is what I think,” said one 34-year-old resident, while another questioned the benefits from this symbolic move.

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