War pushes Ukraine nearer EU, but long road ahead to joining

BRUSSELS: Russia's invasion has seen Ukraine hurtle towards joining the EU, but the path to full membership remains long and complex despite bullishness in Kyiv.Before Moscow's forces launched their all-out assault last February, few in Brussels or Kyiv saw Ukraine's accession as a pressing issue.But just four months later, Kyiv had been granted “candidate status” to become a member as the horrors of the conflict pushed EU leaders to start the ball rolling.Now, as top EU officials head to Kyiv for a summit this week that Prime Minister Denys Shmygal described as “extremely important” for his country’s bid to join, Ukraine is urging the bloc to maintain the momentum.“No games or narrow political interests should stand in the way,“ Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.French President Emmanuel Macron warned last May it could take “decades” before Ukraine meets the criteria and achieves full membership.That estimate resonated with Turkey and countries in the Balkans which have se