ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 29, 2022: Russia's Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky (L) and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin give a press briefing on Russian-Ukrainian talks at the Dolmabahce Palace. Both delegations are to meet face to face for the first time since March 7. With the first round held in the Belarusian city of Gomel on February 28, two more followed in person along with more recent sessions online. On February 24, Russia’s President Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine in response to appeals from the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Sergei Karpukhin/TASS/Sipa USA
Turkey: Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian deputy prime overseeing the country’s push to join the European Union says she’s “100%” certain all 27 EU nations will approve making Ukraine a candidate for membership in the bloc.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said the decision could come as soon as Thursday. Asked how confident she was that Ukraine would be accepted as an EU candidate, she said: “The day before the summit starts, I can say 100%.” Countries that had been skeptical about starting accession talks while Ukraine is fighting Russia’s invasion are now supportive, she said.
The EU’s executive arm endorsed Ukraine’s candidacy last week.
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