Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Brussels to meet with European leaders as Ukraine pushes its bid for EU membership and stronger sanctions against Russia. He addressed the EU Parliament earlier today.

President Volodymyr Zelensky: “While we are fighting, we are also upgrading our institutions. We are moving closer to the European Union. Ukraine will be a member of the European Union. Victorious Ukraine will be a member of the victorious European Union.”

Zelensky’s remarks in Brussels came during a surprise visit to Europe, with stops in the U.K. and France Wednesday, where President Emmanuel Macron bestowed the prestigious Legion of Honor on the Ukrainian president. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed heavy tanks were being sent to the battlefield, and pledged to train Ukrainian forces on NATO-standard jets, indicating the U.K. would likely follow up by providing fighter planes.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian forces are continuing their advance on the strategic city of Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk region. And Ukrainian officials say shelling is increasing in parts of the Kharkiv region, which was recaptured by Ukraine in September.