Zelensky warns Russia will escalate hostilities this week, ahead of a key E.U. decision.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned late Sunday of increased Russian aggression ahead of a E.U. decision this week on whether to accept Ukraine as a candidate for inclusion in the bloc.

“Obviously, we should expect greater hostile activity from Russia,” Mr. Zelensky said in his nightly address. “Purposefully, demonstratively. This week exactly.”

Although he did not detail the threats, he said they were aimed not just at Ukraine “but also against other European countries.”

On the battlefield, Russia has moved closer to capturing Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, two key cities in the east of Ukraine.

Mr. Zelensky has pushed Ukraine’s bid for E.U. membership, which he applied for after Russia invaded in February. The European Commission recommended last week that Ukraine be granted candidate status, and E.U. leaders will consider that question at a meeting on Thursday and Friday. Read more

@nytimes