Ukraine's Zelenskyy says this is a 'historic week' as his country awaits word on its EU membership application

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is entering a "historic week" as he waits to find out if his country will join the EU.

Ukranian's candidacy request should be approved by the EU's 27 members. Less than a week after Russia invaded, the country applied for membership in the EU.

Zelenskyy said in his address on Sunday June 19 that the week would be historic.

The European Council will respond to the application at the end of the week, he said.

The head of the European Commission thinks that Ukraine's request to join will be approved.

—Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 17, 2022

Von der Leyen believes that the course has been set and that they will get a positive decision.

Zelenskyy said he was confident.

He said that since 1991, there have been few such fateful decisions for Ukraine. Only a positive decision can meet the interests of the entire Europe.

EU leaders will meet on June 23-24 to discuss Ukraine's candidacy, but German, French, Romanian, and Italian leaders have already given their approval, according to the Associated Press.

The war could 'last for years'

Zelenskyy said that Europe should expect more hostile activity from Russia.

The Secretary-General of NATO said on Sunday that nobody knew how long the war would last.

"We need to be prepared for it to last for a long time, even if the costs are high, not only in terms of military aid but also because of the increase in energy and food goods prices," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

As the new chief of the British Army warned troops to prepare to fight in Europe once again, the comments came as well.

There is a "burning imperative to forge an army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle" according to the general.