The EU has agreed to start membership negotiations with embattled Ukraine and Moldova.
It's another step in both nations' long journey to move closer to the West and mute Russia's influence.
Ukraine applied to join the bloc less than a week after Russia invaded in February 2022, and EU leaders acted with uncharacteristic speed in making it a candidate in June of that year.
But the process has moved more slowly since then.
Membership, if it comes, will take years or even decades.
I'm Charles de Ledesma.