Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv strikes back as EU gives symbolic boost

The EU has given Ukraine candidate status, in a largely symbolic move welcomed by Kyiv but rejected by Moscow.

Russian forces have intensified their attacks on eastern Ukraine, with shelling reported in several cities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was "moving towards victory" after the EU decision.

He said it was a "historic moment" that brought Ukraine "closer to the European family".

However, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the EU's decision was "not about Ukraine's European choice, but about the desire to annoy Russia".

The EU's decision to grant Ukraine candidate status is largely symbolic, as it could take years for the country to become a full member of the bloc.

However, it is a significant step for Ukraine, which has been seeking closer ties with the EU for many years.

The decision is also a blow to Russia, which has been trying to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and the EU.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the EU's decision was "a clear manifestation of geopolitical ambitions" and would "have the most negative consequences for the security of the entire continent".

Meanwhile, Russian forces have intensified their attacks on eastern Ukraine, with shelling reported in several cities.

The Ukrainian military said Russian forces were trying to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Donbas region.

The fighting comes as the two sides continue to negotiate a possible ceasefire.

However, there has been little progress in the talks, and both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of a previous ceasefire agreement.