EU decides to launch membership talks with Ukraine

European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to open membership talks with Ukraine, bypassing objections from Hungary to give Kyiv a major political boost as its conflict with Russia grinds on.

Although membership would likely be many years away, the decision at a summit in Brussels takes Ukraine a step closer to its long-term strategic goal.

The move came at a critical time for Ukraine, given its counter-offensive against Russian forces has failed to make major gains and with U.S. President Joe Biden so far unable to get a $60-billion aid package for Kyiv through the U.S. Congress.

The EU took the decision in a highly unorthodox fashion: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has close ties with Moscow, agreed to leave the room while his peers from the EU's 26 other members agreed to the move.

There was no immediate comment from Hungary after the chairman of the summit, European Council President Charles Michel said, "The European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova."

"This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens," declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"I congratulate every Ukrainian on this day ... History is made by those who don't get tired of fighting for freedom."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz played a key role in getting Orban to leave the room to clear the way for a decision, diplomats and officials said. Scholz said the decision was "a strong sign of support" for Ukraine.

The leaders also agreed to accession talks with Moldova, and to grant Georgia the status of membership candidate.

"It is clear that these countries belong to the European family," Scholz said on social media platform X.

The leaders said they would also start membership talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina once it has undertaken certain political reforms.

(With input from Reuters)