Ukraine to start negotiations on joining EU in 2023 - Ukraine's PM Denys Shmyhal

This was announced by Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, in an interview with Bloomberg.

"Granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership is a huge support in our fight against the Russian invasion. The political authorities and Ukrainian society are united in our movement to the EU. So far, Ukraine has fulfilled almost 70% of the Association Agreement. We intend to fulfill the seven conditions of the European Commission in the status of a candidate. We will do everything possible to move to the membership negotiation process next year," Shmyhal said.

He also emphasized that Russia is waging a criminal war not only against Ukraine, but also a hybrid war against Europe.

"Gas and oil blackmail, disinformation and cyber-attacks, as well as food and migration crises — all this is due to deliberate actions of Russia. Only by being united will we be able to win this war and defend the principles of democracy and freedom. During the visit to Brussels, we saw this understanding in European leaders. And we have full confidence that they will stand with Ukraine until we win," Shmyhal added.