ESPN provides a progress report on the preseason bold predictions made for all 32 NHL teams, rating each prediction on a 1-10 scale. Some predictions are on track to come true, while others have already been proven wrong.
The European Union (EU) executive is expected to recommend advancing Ukraine's bid for EU membership this week, as weariness sets in nearly two years after Russia's invasion. The EU's progress report, to be published on Wednesday, will inform a key decision in December on whether to start formal membership negotiations with Kyiv. While Ukraine has made progress in meeting the EU's conditions, talks would still take years before the country can join. Moldova and Georgia are also mentioned in the report, with Moldova potentially receiving a positive recommendation alongside Ukraine, while Georgia has not satisfied all the conditions for candidate country status.
Reports suggest that Ukraine's accession talks with the European Union could begin in December, following a progress report next month. The EU Commission is expected to issue a statement that will make it difficult for member states to refuse negotiations. While progress is being made on meeting the seven criteria, the issue of minorities remains a sticking point. Meanwhile, Ukraine's international support is crucial as financial support from the United States faces strain. The Kremlin hopes that a prolonged war will lead to a decline in support for Ukraine.