Ukraine applied to join the EU just four days after Russian troops poured across its border in February. Four days later, so did Moldova and Georgia — smaller ex-Soviet states also contending with separatist regions occupied by Russian troops.

"Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the country's aspiration and the country's determination to live up to European values and standards," the European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said in Brussels. She made the announcement wearing Ukrainian colors, a yellow blazer over a blue shirt.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked von der Leyen and EU member states on Twitter for a decision he called "the first step on the EU membership path that'll certainly bring our victory closer".

Moldova's President Maia Sandu hailed a "strong signal of support for Moldova and our citizens!" and said she counted on the support of EU member states.

"We're committed to working hard," she said on Twitter.

While recommending candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova, the commission held off for Georgia, which it said must meet more conditions first.

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