A symbolic ceremony will mark the beginning of the negotiations in Luxembourg, signalling that the two ex-Soviet countries are on a path away from Russian influence.

The European Union is to formally launch accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova after the bloc’s member states gave the nod last week.

The start of negotiations will be marked by a ceremony in Luxembourg on Tuesday. While the process is likely to take years and be tough, the opening of the talks will give the pair – war-torn Ukraine in particular – encouragement to continue on their path to leaving their Soviet past…