Amid the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine, Kyiv is bidding to join the European Union, but the bloc is splitting over its candidacy. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an application for EU membership on Monday and is hoping that the process can be fast-tracked.

Political experts, however, say that the process is far from easy and can take many years.

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On Tuesday, Zelenskyy delivered an emotional address via video link to the European Parliament, which was holding a special session on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

He appealed for lawmakers' support. "Prove that you are with us. Prove that you will not let us go," he told MEPs. "We are also fighting to be equal members of Europe."

His pleas were well received, with the European Parliament voicing its support for Ukraine's application to the bloc and giving him a standing ovation.

"As our resolution clearly states, we welcome Ukraine's application for candidate status, and we will work towards that goal," said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. "We must face the future together."

But it is not ultimately up to parliamentarians to make the final decision.

For Ukraine to join the bloc, the 27 member states will all have to give their green light.

Several countries have voiced their support for Ukraine's bid to join the EU. Poland led a group of Eastern European countries in penning an open letter supporting Ukraine's appeal for swift entry as a candidate for the EU.

But others have voiced concerns. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte struck a conservative note, saying it is "not a good discussion to have" at this current moment. 

The front of the queue?

Then there are those nations striving to join the EU for many years – notably Turkey and North Macedonia, the latter becoming a candidate in 2005, while Ankara's application stalled following deteriorating relations with Brussels. 

Asked about Ukraine's bid for EU membership at a news conference, Erdogan said that Turkey would support any enlargement of the EU. But he called on the bloc to show the "same sensitivity" it showed for Kyiv's membership bid for Turkey's application and slammed member states for being "not sincere."

 "Will you put Turkey on your agenda when someone attacks (us) too?" he said.

Many criteria would need to be met for Ukraine to qualify. Analysts say that Ukraine would need to do more to stop corruption.

According to the European Commission, "the candidate countries should resolve their bilateral issues, that is to say, they should resolve all their border disputes before the conclusion of negotiations."

EU support if not membership

Ukraine already has very close relations with Brussels, further strengthened by the invasion. It signed an association agreement with the bloc in 2017, and it is a member of the EU's eastern partnership policy.

On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament that Ukraine has its full support.

"President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people are a true inspiration," said von der Leyen. 

"When we last spoke, he told me again about his people's dream to join our Union. Today, the EU and Ukraine are already closer than ever. There is still a long path ahead. We have to end this war. And we should talk about the next steps."

But even if Ukraine can go through a bespoke, fast-track process and gain the approval of all the member states, some officials have said this would not provide the immediate solution the country desperately needs as it faces Russian forces.