Factbox: How long will it take Ukraine to join EU?

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen arrive at a joint news briefing, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 1, 2023. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

(Reuters) - More than a dozen top European Union officials arrive in Kyiv on Thursday, a top-level demonstration of support following new pledges of military aid as the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine nears.

While the EU backs Ukraine and supports democratic and economic reforms there, Kyiv's hopes to quickly join the 27-nation EU are set to be dashed.