Ukraine could become a member of the European Union after the EU Commission proposed it as a candidate, the first step on a long road toward membership for the war-torn country.

Ukraine applied for membership in the bloc less than a week after Russia first invaded the country.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the news from Brussels as a “big step forward”.

On Thursday, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and Romania all visited Ukraine and vowed to back Kyiv in becoming an official candidate.

Ukraine news live: Russian troops ‘poisoned by cherries they stole’

Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had “powerful” support from these countries.

“It was important for me to hear another fundamental thing from the leaders – they agree that the end of the war in Ukraine and peace must be determined exactly as Ukraine sees them,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“As our people see them.”

The move is unlikely to sit well with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who does not want Ukraine to have a strong relationship with the West.

The recommendation will now be discussed by leaders of the 27 EU member states at a summit next week in Brussels. All members must agree to any new country joining, along with the pace of negotiations and the terms on which it joins.

“Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective,” commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“We want them to live with us, the European dream.”

However, the decision was on the understanding that Ukraine carried out a number of reforms, Von der Leyen added.

“Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the country’s aspiration and the country’s determination to live up to European values and standards,” she said.

Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts,  Spotify, Spreaker

Candidate status was also recommended for Moldova, while things remain a little trickier for Georgia, which also applied for membership.

Ms Von der Leyen said although Georgia had a strong application, it had yet to come together politically.