Ukraine moves to EU membership, Donbas battles' 'fearsome climax'

Ukraine will be accepted as a candidate to join the European Union today, a move that will boost the country's morale as the battle with Russian troops for two cities in the east reached what one official called a "fierce climax".

Although the approval of the Kyiv government's application by EU leaders meeting in Brussels is just the start of what will be a years-long process, it signifies a huge geopolitical shift and will irritate Russia as it struggles to impose its will on Ukraine.

Tomorrow will mark four months since...