The EU leaders have approved the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova.

European Council President Charles Michel called the decision “a historic moment” and “a crucial step” on the two countries’ path towards the EU.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also called the decision “a unique and historic moment” in the relations between Ukraine and the EU. The European Union is preparing a financial aid package to Ukraine worth up to EUR 9 billion, UNIAN has announced.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the G-7 and NATO countries against a “bad peace” in Ukraine that would force Kyiv to accept unfavourable peace terms.

The G-7 summit is to take place in Germany on June 26 and 27, after which a NATO summit is to begin in Madrid.

The US is sending more military aid to Ukraine worth USD 450 million. The White House announced the package would include additional high mobility artillery rocket systems to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its evolving battlefield requirements, as well as rounds of ammunition, tactical vehicles, machine guns and patrol boats.