“Unusual time requires an unusually strategic and far-sighted response. Giving EU candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia next week at the European Council is crucial to building a strong and lasting shield around all values," Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said at a news conference in Kyiv.

"This is about our ability to build security and stability in our neighborhood. There is no time for hesitation," he said at a joint news conference held together with his Ukrainian, French, German and Italian counterparts.

"We are at a turning point in European history," Iohannis added.