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Zelenskyy: Russia will step up attacks during Ukraine’s EU membership drive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects “greater hostile activity” from Russia as his country pursues membership in the European Union.

The EU will consider whether Ukraine should be given candidate status later this week, kicking off an accession process that could take years.

In his nightly address Sunday, Mr. Zelenskyy said Ukrainians are preparing and ready for new assaults and pledged to push forward with the EU bid, according to the BBC.

Mr. Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s membership would benefit his country and the West.

“I am convinced that only a positive decision meets the interests of the whole of Europe,” he said, though warned: “Obviously, we should expect greater hostile activity from Russia.