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February 9, 2023

In Brussels, Ukrainian President Pushes Bid for EU Membership
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Brussels to meet with
European leaders as Ukraine pushes its bid for EU membership and
stronger sanctions against Russia. He addressed the EU Parliament
earlier today.

President Volodymyr Zelensky: "While we are fighting, we are also
upgrading our institutions. We are moving closer to the European Union.
Ukraine will be a member of the European Union. Victorious Ukraine will
be a member of the victorious European Union."

Zelensky's remarks in Brussels came during a surprise visit to Europe,
with stops in the U.K. and France Wednesday, where President Emmanuel
Macron bestowed the prestigious Legion of Honor on the Ukrainian
president. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed heavy tanks were
being sent to the battlefield, and pledged to train Ukrainian forces on
NATO-standard jets, indicating the U.K. would likely follow up by
providing fighter planes.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian forces are continuing their advance on
the strategic city of Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk region. And Ukrainian
officials say shelling is increasing in parts of the Kharkiv region,
which was recaptured by Ukraine in September.


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