EU Agrees to Launch Membership Talks with Ukraine Despite War Continuing

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EU nations approved Friday to begin membership negotiations with Ukraine next week, moving forward with the war-torn country's bid to join the bloc despite ongoing Russian aggression. The decision marks a significant diplomatic step toward potential integration, though the timeline and practical implications remain uncertain given the conflict's continuation. Ukraine has sought EU membership as part of its broader westward pivot, particularly since Russia's invasion in 2022. The talks will cover areas from judicial reform to economic alignment with EU standards. Officials acknowledged the complexity of admitting a nation actively at war, but viewed the process as both a reward for Ukraine's democratic reforms and a strategic statement of European solidarity.