This is a recap of updates out of the war in Ukraine for Saturday, June 18. For the latest news, click here.

The executive arm of the European Union recommended Friday that Ukraine become a candidate for membership, the first step in a process that could take decades. 

The endorsement is set to be discussed by the bloc’s leaders next week in Brussels. 

“Ukraine has clearly demonstrated its aspiration and determination to live up to European values and standards,” President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter. “We want them to live with us the European dream.”

Russia’s invasion in February increased pressure to fast-track Ukraine’s candidate status. But accession talks require unanimous approval from all 27 member counties and some do not agree on how quickly the process of accepting new members should proceed.

The announcement comes as Russia continued its attacks on cities in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region leaving desperate residents wondering what the next years hold for them.

Latest developments:

►Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg on Friday after the Kremlin said “massive cyberattacks” delayed his appearance, according to the Washington Post and CNN.

► Ukraine will not host Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, organizers announced Friday. In May, the Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the contest with “Stefania,” and the right to host next year’s event. 

►The UK said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Ukraine Friday on a surprise visit, his second trip since the Russian invasion began.

►Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday criticized the U.S. for its “reckless and insane” sanctions against the Kremlin, claiming that his economy will overcome the financial consequences to his war in Ukraine.

Families of 2 Americans missing in Ukraine speak out

The families of two Alabama men – who went missing near Kharkiv in a battle last week and were feared to have been captured – told USA TODAY they are holding out hope that the men could be released.

Joy Black’s fiancée Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, a 27-year-old former Marine, drew up a will, said goodbye to her and left Hartselle, Alabama, in April to help Ukrainians repel Russian forces.

That same month, not far away in Tuscaloosa, former Army Sgt. Alexander Drueke, a 39-year-old Iraq war veteran, had deliberated for a month before deciding to pack his gear for Ukraine.

Russian state television on Friday showed video of the two men, confirming that they were taken captive and raising fears about their fate. They are believed to be the first Americans captured by Russian forces since the war began on Feb. 24.