Ukraine starts EU membership talks and faces years of reforms while fighting Russia - AP News

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Ukraine formally began European Union membership negotiations this week, entering a years-long process that requires sweeping judicial, anti-corruption, and governance reforms, all while the country fights an ongoing war with Russia. The talks mark a symbolic victory for Kyiv, affirming its Western orientation even as the conflict drains resources and attention. EU officials have signaled the accession process could take a decade or more, contingent on Ukraine meeting dozens of technical and legal standards. The timing underscores both the country's determination to integrate with Europe and the extraordinary challenge of simultaneously conducting major institutional overhauls amid military operations.