The latest developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. All times EDT:

12:01 a.m.: European Union leaders are holding a summit Thursday and Friday, with a top item on their agenda — okaying Ukraine’s bid to be a candidate for the bloc — appearing to be on track. 

Kyiv has pushed hard to join the 27-member bloc. Some EU countries such as Portugal and Denmark earlier expressed reservations. But last week, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Ukraine.

“Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective,” said der Leyen. “We want them to live with us the European dream.”   

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

Voice of America