Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday predicted that "hostilities" waged by Russian President Vlimir Putin could "intensify" as European Union (EU) decision as Kyiv awaits EU candidate status . "Obviously, this week we should expect an intensification of Russia's hostile activities," embattled President said in his usual nightly dress. However, Zelensky ded that Ukrainian defenders were prepared for a fierce counterattack provided Russia escalated its attacks on 117th day of ongoing war. "We are preparing. We are rey," Zelenskyy said in a determined voice.

"Tomorrow a truly historic week begins. A week when we will hear answer from European Union on candidate status for Ukraine. We alrey have a positive decision from European Commission, and at end of new week re will be a response from European Council," Zelenskyy said.

"I think it is obvious to everyone that since 1991 re have been few such fateful decisions for Ukraine as we expect now. And I am convinced that only a positive decision meets interests of whole of Europe," he ded. 

warning comes after European Commission recommended last Saturday Ukraine should get EU candidate status.Notably, Kyiv h applied to join 27-nation bloc about 4 days after Russian troops attacked Ukraine on February 24. decision to ascend to union as a permanent member is still due. Referring to EU's potential verdict on Kyiv's membership bid, Zelenskyy said, re h been "few such fateful decisions for Ukraine...and only a positive decision is in interest of whole world." He ded Russia will escalate its aggressive behaviour "not only against Ukraine but also against or European countries."

Ukraine launches successful counterattacks in Zaporizhzhia

Despite Russia's immense artillery power, Ukraine's forces have continued to launch a precise and impactful attack on invers. Ukraine repulsed fresh strikes by Russian forces on eastern front- Donbass region, where weeks of fierce battles have devastated entire industrial hub. Ukraine also launched counterattacks in Zaporizhzhia area forcing Russian forces to rush reinforcements to this weakened sector of front line, Institute for Study of War (ISW) reported. Meanwhile, Russian forces are focusing on strengning defensive positions along Sourn Axis due to recent successful Ukrainian counterattacks along Kherson-Mykolaiv Oblast border, ISW report ded. "Russian forces are likely conducting false-flag artillery attacks against Russian-held territory to dissue Ukrainian sentiment and encourage mobilization of proxy forces," ISW furr warned.

This comes after NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday flagged that war could grind on "for years." Speaking to German daily Bild am Sontag, he said, "We must not weaken our support to Ukraine, even in costs are high-- not only in terms of military support but also because of rising energy and fuel prices."

(Image: AP)