Ukraine's conduct of hostilities on Russian territory will not affect its EU candidate status - Stano.

European Union External Diplomatic Service representative Peter Stano stated that Ukraine has the legal right to conduct hostilities on the territory of Russia, the aggressor country. This does not affect Ukraine's status as an EU candidate.

Peter Stano voiced this EU position in Brussels during a briefing, responding to journalists' questions.

"Ukraine is waging a defensive war against a brutal aggressor. This brutal war has been ongoing for the third year. What we see on the battlefield, whether in Ukraine or on Russian territory, is merely the result and consequence of Putin's illegitimate actions. Ukraine has every right to defend itself, and this has no actual relevance to the EU accession process"

Stano emphasized that "Ukraine is currently fighting against a brutal illegal aggression and has the right to defend itself."

Source: Interfax-Ukraine