President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who broadcast a message about the decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of “Candidate country” at the EU Leaders’ Summit in Brussels today, said that they have been waiting for this moment for 30 years. “It is one of the most important decisions for Ukraine for the 30-year independence of our state, but this decision is not only valid for Ukraine. This is the biggest step that can be taken in the context of Russian attacks to strengthen Europe, which is now testing our ability to protect our freedom and unity. Thank you to all the European leaders at the summit. Thank you to our heroes who defended Ukraine with their weapons in their hands and to everyone who defended the freedom of Europe. Thank you for making Europe’s new history possible,” Zelensky said.
Egyptian media reports that ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, are set to resume next week. Israel is awaiting Hamas’s response to the ceasefire offer.
Israeli and US delegations, who were in Doha for negotiations, have returned home for consultations. The current agreement being discussed includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, with plans for further talks on a permanent ceasefire and the release of additional hostages.
TR