BRUSSELS, Dec 14 (Reuters) - European Union leaders made a historic decision on Thursday to open membership talks with Ukraine, bypassing objections from Hungary to give Kyiv a major political boost as its war against Russia's invasion grinds on.

Although membership would likely be many years away, the decision at a summit in Brussels takes Ukraine a step closer to its long-term strategic goal of anchoring itself in the West and liberating itself from Moscow's orbit.

The move came at a critical time for Ukraine, after its counter-offensive against Russian forces has failed to make major gains and with U.S. President Joe Biden so far unable to get a $60 billion aid package for Kyiv through the U.S. Congress.

The EU took the decision in a highly unorthodox fashion: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who cultivates close ties with Moscow, agreed to leave the room while his peers from the EU's 26 other members agreed the move.

"This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens," declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

"I congratulate every Ukrainian on this day ... History is made by those who don't get tired of fighting for freedom."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz played a key role in getting Orban to leave the room to clear the way for a decision, diplomats and officials said. Scholz said the decision was "a strong sign of support" for Ukraine.

The leaders also agreed to accession talks with another former Soviet republic, Moldova, and to grant another, Georgia, the status of membership candidate.

"It is clear that these countries belong to the European family," Scholz said on social media platform X.

The leaders said they would also start membership talks with Bosnia once it has undertaken certain political reforms.

Photo from Reuters