Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine has addressed the European Union parliament, insisting in his plenary speech that Ukraine’s fight against Russia was one fought for the freedom of Europe as a whole.
Zelenskyy arrived at the European Parliament to joyous applause, cheering and hoots from legislators.
Before Zelenskyy spoke, European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola said allies should consider “quickly, as a next step, providing long-range systems” and fighter jets to Ukraine.
Metsola opined that the response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine “must be proportional to the threat, and the threat is existential.”
“We have your back. We were with you then, we are with you now, we will be with you for as long as it takes.”
European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola
Zelenskyy built his address around the common destiny that Ukraine and the 27-nation bloc face in confronting Russia.
“Europe will always be, and remain Europe as long as we are together and as long as we take care of our Europe, as we take care of the European way of life.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy added that Russia wants to destroy the European way of life, but “we will not allow that.”
“All of us enjoy this common European history,” The Ukrainian President noted, adding that Putin is trying to “annihilate” European values through “total war”.
“We will not allow that,” Zelenskyy declared, adding that Putin is “a dictator” using Soviet Weapons and from “dictatorial regimes” to achieve his aim.
Zelenskyy went on to thank the European Union for its support of ordinary Ukrainian people, as well as those who have “spread the truth” about Russian aggression, and those who continue to stand with Ukraine.
Also, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the EU for the vital supplies it has provided Ukraine, in the form of weapons, supplies, energy equipment and fuel.
Zelensky urged the EU to “stay the course” in its support for Ukraine.
“We must defend ourselves. It’s important not only for the states of Europe, not only for the communities and societies of Europe. No matter who we are, we always fight against disrespect. The precondition of [our dreams for our children and grandchildren] is peace and security.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has disclosed that the bloc will send Zelenskyy “this signal of unity and solidarity, and can show that we will continue our support for Ukraine in defending its independence and integrity for as long as this is necessary.”
French President Emmanuel Macron’s office has already confirmed that the bloc “will reiterate Europeans’ unwavering support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.” Few would expect anything less.
Ukraine Is Going To Be A Member Of EU
As part of his speech, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all the European leaders who are helping Ukraine to “defend the European way of life”.
“Ukraine is going to be a member of the European Union; the European Union that is winning.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy opined that Ukraine and the EU have made their strength “obvious” with their “principled and energetic approach and we are all equal”.
Zelenskyy concluded his speech with an invite for all of the European leaders to visit Ukraine and said glory to Ukraine, which was greeted with applause.
After his address, The President of Ukraine held up an EU flag and the entire legislature stood in somber silence as the Ukrainian national anthem and then European anthem “Ode to Joy” were played.
Thereafter, President Zelenskyy posed for a family photo with senior EU officials and the leaders of the 27 member states.
The EU is in the midst of brokering a new sanctions package worth about 10 billion euros ($10.7 billion) against Russia before the war’s anniversary.
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