KYIV: Ukraine has signed an official request to join the European Union (EU). President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had signed the request on Monday. He appealed to the EU to allow Ukraine to gain membership immediately on account of the current circumstances.

EU membership is essential for withstanding Russian invasion, Zelenskyy said after signing the request. He asked the EU to allow Ukraine to gain membership under a special procedure as it defends itself from the invasion by Russian forces. The request was signed in the president’s official residence in the presence of Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Meantime, FIFA and UEFA have suspended all Russian national teams and clubs from its international competitions until further notice. The Russian team will not be able to play in the World Cup play-offs to be held in March. FIFA and UEFA have issued a joint statement stating their support for the people of Ukraine.