France, Feb. 3 -- The EU on Friday pledged to support Ukraine "every step of the way" in its quest for bloc membership as top officials gathered in Kyiv for a summit to discuss the extension of military and humanitarian assistance, as well as an eventual post-war reconstruction programme.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, host of the Kyiv summit, is pressing the EU for speedy membership, as Ukraine battles to defeat the Russian invasion.

The bloc granted candidate status to Ukraine last June, but the path to full membership is normally long and arduous.

EU chief Charles Michel announced his arrival in the Ukrainian capital as air raid sirens sounded, vowing that there will be "no let up in our resolve.

"We will also support you ...