New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Monday formally signed an application to join the European Union and urged the bloc to soon admit Ukraine as a member.
But the move could take years to become reality, and is also likely to upset Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has often accused the West of trying to pull Ukraine towards its side.
As the European leaders ponder over admitting Ukraine as a member of the block we take a look at how the process could pan out.
To join the EU a country needs to fulfill some mandatory requirements set up by the bloc like adopting a free-market economy and accepting EU legislation and the euro currency.
All 27 nations need to approve Ukraine joining the bloc, which does not look very probable as some countries within EU hold different opinions.
Though Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic have created a "special route" for Ukraine to join the bloc, there does not seem to be a consensus among the EU countries.
According to Forbes, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed willingness to admit Ukraine as a member but suggested that it may take time.
Another hurdle to Ukraine's ambition of Joining the block is that a Unanimous approval is required from all 27 EU nations, with some having complicated procedures.
Corruption in Ukraine is another factor that could make EU countries wary of admitting Ukraine as a member of the bloc.
But if granted membership, Ukraine could immediately benefit from the move in terms of military help. All EU countries, under a defense clause are bound to provide military assistance to any member country under armed aggression.
Admission of Ukraine to the bloc could also help Ukraine economically as they would be allowed to move freely throughout the block.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims Ukraine to be a puppet of the West and refuses to give it a proper state status.