European Union leaders agreed to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova on Thursday as President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as "a unique and historic moment".

The move allows both countries to enter into a year-long path toward joining the EU with several steps to be taken before it becomes a member of the European alliance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-a-tough-bite-to-chew-and-so-would-be-finland-says-armed-forces-chief-on-russian-invasion-490781">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief&nbsp;</a>

Ukraine had applied to become an EU candidate just days after President Vladimir Putin launched his "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russian forces invaded the neighbouring country.

"A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU," chief of EU &nbsp;Charles Michel said, adding, "our future is together."

Watch|&nbsp;Ukraine war: Intense fighting underway in Luhansk region

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The development comes even as Russian forces continue to pound key cities in eastern Ukraine as the war entered the fourth month this week.

Zelensky said it&nbsp;"is a unique and historic moment in&nbsp;Ukraine-EU relations, adding,"Ukraine’s future is within the EU".

Heavy fighting has been reported in Slovyansk and Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine even as civilian evacuations continue in the region.

Meanwhile, Russia slashed gas supply to Germany as the country raised the alert level under an emergency plan bringing Berlin closer to gas rationing amid deteriorating relations with Russia.

Kremlin said there was &nbsp;"no double meaning" behind the cut in gas supply to Germany. Russian energy giant Gazprom had earlier cut gas supply to Poland, Bulgaria, Finland and the Netherlands.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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European Union leaders agreed to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova on Thursday as President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as "a unique and historic moment".

European Union leaders agreed to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova on Thursday as President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as "a unique and historic moment". The move allows both countries to enter into a year-long path toward joining the EU with several steps to be taken before it becomes a member of the European alliance. Also Read: Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief Ukraine had applied to become an EU candidate just days after President Vladimir Putin launched his "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russian forces invaded the neighbouring country. "A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU," chief of EU Charles Michel said, adding, "our future is together." Watch| Ukraine war: Intense fighting underway in Luhansk region The development comes even as Russian forces continue to pound key cities in eastern Ukraine as the war entered the fourth month this week. Zelensky said it "is a unique and historic moment in Ukraine-EU relations, adding,"Ukraine’s future is within the EU". Heavy fighting has been reported in Slovyansk and Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine even as civilian evacuations continue in the region. Meanwhile, Russia slashed gas supply to Germany as the country raised the alert level under an emergency plan bringing Berlin closer to gas rationing amid deteriorating relations with Russia. Kremlin said there was "no double meaning" behind the cut in gas supply to Germany. Russian energy giant Gazprom had earlier cut gas supply to Poland, Bulgaria, Finland and the Netherlands. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Historic moment': EU agrees to grant candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova

According to reports, the European Commission may spare Slovakia and Hungary from the embargo related to buying Russian oil.

Newswire Reuters reported that the European block is considering a ban on buying Russian oil and is set to finalise sanctions against Russia amid the Ukraine war.

Both Hungary and Slovakia are heavily dependent on Russian oil. Reports claim both countries may be offered an exemption on buying Russian oil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-slams-lavrovs-comment-suggesting-that-nazi-leader-adolf-hitler-had-jewish-roots-475688">Also Read:&nbsp;Israel slams Lavrov's comment suggesting that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had Jewish roots</a>

Russia had earlier halted gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria as the Kremlin said the two European countries were not making payments in roubles.

Germany which is Europe's top buyer of Russian oil has reduced its import quota in order to ensure energy security as German economy ministry said the transitional period avaliable for the country would be "manageable".

Watch:&nbsp;EU to propose a phased ban on Russian oil

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Slovakia and Hungary reportedly use a major portion of Russian oil being sent to Europe. Several European countries have been finding ways to walk away from dependency on Russian oil with Italy declaring that it would end its dependency on Russia by the middle of next year.

The Greek government had said earlier that it could develop its own hub and supply to Balkan countries. Lithuania was the first country to stop taking Russian gas as the Ukraine war broke out.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the European Commission may spare Slovakia and Hungary from the embargo related to buying Russian oil. Newswire Reuters reported that the European block is considering a ban on buying Russian oil and is set to finalise sanctions against Russia amid the Ukraine war.

According to reports, the European Commission may spare Slovakia and Hungary from the embargo related to buying Russian oil. Newswire Reuters reported that the European block is considering a ban on buying Russian oil and is set to finalise sanctions against Russia amid the Ukraine war. Both Hungary and Slovakia are heavily dependent on Russian oil. Reports claim both countries may be offered an exemption on buying Russian oil. Also Read: Israel slams Lavrov's comment suggesting that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had Jewish roots Russia had earlier halted gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria as the Kremlin said the two European countries were not making payments in roubles. Germany which is Europe's top buyer of Russian oil has reduced its import quota in order to ensure energy security as German economy ministry said the transitional period avaliable for the country would be "manageable". Watch: EU to propose a phased ban on Russian oil Slovakia and Hungary reportedly use a major portion of Russian oil being sent to Europe. Several European countries have been finding ways to walk away from dependency on Russian oil with Italy declaring that it would end its dependency on Russia by the middle of next year. The Greek government had said earlier that it could develop its own hub and supply to Balkan countries. Lithuania was the first country to stop taking Russian gas as the Ukraine war broke out. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

EU may allow Slovakia, Hungary to buy Russian oil: Report

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'Historic moment': EU agrees to grant candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova

EU may allow Slovakia, Hungary to buy Russian oil: Report