EU executive to propose starting membership talks with Ukraine as Russia war drags on

The European Union executive will recommend on Wednesday that the bloc open membership negotiations with Kyiv once it meets outstanding conditions, two EU officials said on Monday, more than 20 months since Russia invaded Ukraine.

In Kyiv, a senior government official said Ukraine expected the European Commission to deliver a "positive" appraisal of its membership bid, a coveted prize as troops face battle fatigue and concerns swirl over the future of vital U.S. military aid.The Commission will assess Ukraine across seven reform areas in a report that will inform a key decision in December at a summit of the EU's national leaders on whether to start formal membership negotiations with Kyiv.