Ukraine warns of war: Kyiv warns of Russian escalation during EU bid

BBC News:-

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russia will intensify its attacks on his country in the coming days, as Kyiv awaits news on its bid to join the EU.

Members of the bloc are expected to decide whether to award “candidate status” to Kyiv later this week.

The move would begin the process of Ukraine’s accession to the alliance, which could take years to complete.

But Mr Zelensky warned the decision could see Russia step up its attacks.

Speaking during his nightly address from Kyiv, the Ukrainian leader said he and his advisors expect “greater hostile activity” from Moscow, but told citizens that his forces “are preparing” and are ready for any renewed assault.

He pledged to push forward with what he called Ukraine’s “historic” ambitions to join the EU, which were endorsed by the bloc’s executive, the European Commission, last week.