Ukraine and Moldova Granted EU Candiate Status
The fight for Severodonetsk and Lysychansk continues in the Donbas
Today was the day, and it is official—the EU members have voted to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status, and to recognise Georgia as a prospective member. This is more of a political decision rather than one that will make any significant changes on the ground, as there is a way to go with ascension talks that can only happen when the war is over.
As expected, the West Balkans have not been happy about the preferential treatment that Ukraine and Moldova have received, as Serbia (10 years), North Macedonia (17 years), and Albania (8 years) have been in the queue for a number of years. The issue is that Bulgaria has vetoed the North Macedonia and Albanian ascension talks because of the historical issue of whether Macedonia is a language or not, where Bulgaria claims Macedonian is a Bulgarian dialect. Talks between the countries continue, where Bulgaria has laid down some conditions in order for the veto to be lifted. Serbia has not completed all the reforms necessary for full membership.
There are other issues associated with free movement of people which has led to labour issues in other countries, and other migration issues such as welfare benefits and criminals crossing borders without an integrated system that EU countries can share.
However, these countries must appreciate the unusual circumstances that Ukraine and Moldova face, and if these states are not protected through political means at least, then joining the EU will be the least of their problems. They also threatened to boycott the summit, yet that would not have helped their application process at all by stamping their feet.
Georgia joins Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as potential candidates for EU membership. Georgia has stated they are working within the next months to achieve the reforms necessary to be considered for candidate status. As a former Soviet state that is so close to Russia, they are extremely vulnerable to attack.
With the news that the EU will at some point include Ukraine, the question remains as to how Russia will respond?
Day 120 (23 June)
The fight for Severodonetsk and Lysychansk continues in the Donbas, and things are difficult as weapons from the allies begin to arrive, but it is matter of getting them to the region. Meanwhile, the US is training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jets.
In occupied Kherson, the Ukrainians are resisting and there are reports of attacks on the Russian implemented government there. These are in the form of car bombs and it is a means of defence. Those who protest risk being killed or imprisoned.
Microsoft has issued a report stating that the Russians have been trying to hack US intelligence networks to gain information. No doubt this extends to all countries that support Ukraine, especially the Baltic states and the UK.
There have been no peace deal negotiations between Ukraine and Russia since April. Russia has said they are willing to agree to a peace deal when Ukraine accepts all their demands. In short, that is called a surrender, therefore, Russia aren’t interested in negotiating but are making demands with no concessions. With Ukraine joining the EU, what it symbolises the support of most of Europe against Russia.
The first US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) have arrived in Ukraine. Reports say four have been sent, but that isn’t enough to win the war, but at a cost of $1 million each, the reality is that Ukraine needs these weapons in triple figures.
Russia has declared that 24 February 2023 will be a public holiday, and a long weekend!
Nike has announced they are leaving Russia permanently after suspending business earlier in the year when the invasion began.
Ukraine begins its first trial for rape against Mikhail Romanov in absentia (as he is not in custody) who killed the husband of the victim and then gang raped her with her son nearby. The other soldier involved has not been identified yet. The trial serves as a deterrent to those who are committing crimes, that their names, images and details will be made public even if they are not apprehended.
The big news of the day is that Ukraine and Moldova have been granted EU candidate status, but that has not stopped Macron plugging his idea of a political discussion group for non-EU members in Europe (European Political Community). The idea has not convinced any that it is a good or worthy move, and the UK has stated they are only interested in fostering relations through NATO and the G7.
This membersip to the EU will give Zelensky and the Ukrainian people a well deserved morale boost. Thank you for your updates and comprehensive reporting.
A good step, anyway. Let’s hope things can keep moving forward. I do wish I had more confidence that the U.S. would be of any true help, but I’m sorry to say that my government is not instilling confidence in anything they do—domestic or international policies. Still, I hold out hope that Putin will get shut down sooner than later.