President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has averred that Europe has won over hatred with principles based on respect, not by conquering other countries, alluding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He made these comments at a news conference with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv.
Ursula von der Leyen made a special trip to Kyiv on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, to deliver the warm words of common destiny after Zelenskyy said that his nation would from now on “celebrate Europe Day together with all of free Europe.”
Zelenskyy stated, “We require victory and we come back to the words of the Schuman Declaration”- signed after World War Two.
“For the sake of security and peace, we have to be as strong as Russia’s desire is to destroy Europe, so the new generation of Europeans can celebrate Europe Day in peace.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“Ukraine daily demonstrates efficiency of defence against Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy said, adding that, “Every success in defeating Russian attacks are proof we can win over this aggressor.”
Zelenskyy thanked the EU Commission Chief for her support, and congratulated all on Europe Day, adding that he hopes peace will be restored.
Asked by reporters about Russia’s missile strikes on Ukraine, Zelenskyy remarked that after a long pause, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, including missile strikes on Tuesday morning in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian President said this is because Russia has to “present something” to the military and political leadership, having failed to take the eastern city of Bakhmut before May 9. “So they have to show that they destroyed something,” he reiterated.
Ursula von der Leyen divulged that it was an honour and privilege to be in Ukraine, a day to celebrate “peace and unity” in Europe, to remember the lessons of history and to commit to a better future. “So it is very fitting to be here in Kyiv to celebrate 9 May,” she said. She added that Kyiv today is the “beating heart” of European values.
Ukraine Is Fighting For The Ideals Of Europe
The EU Commission Chief, von der Leyen asserted that Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today. “Putin and his regime have destroyed these values, and now they are attempting to destroy them here in Ukraine,” she noted.
In reference to Russia, she said, “the aggressor has already dramatically failed.”
Von der Leyen iterated that the spirit of Europe Day is solidarity, and Zelensky can count on that solidarity from the EU “for as long as it takes”.
Von der Leyen spoke about sanctions against Russia, saying Europe is doing “everything in our power to erode Putin’s war machine and his revenues”. Our sanctions are working and we’ve reduced our imports from Russia by nearly two-thirds, thus preventing Russia receiving “crucial revenue streams,” she pronounced.
Also, Von der Leyen voiced the importance of grain exports from Ukraine, saying that the “immediate priority” is for grain transit to go seamlessly, at the lowest possible cost outside of Ukraine, towards the EU. “This requires close cooperation, so will set up a coordination platform, so we can get solidarity lanes,” she noted.
The EU Commission President declared that Ukraine is fighting to create “lasting union and peace” and “we should never forget that peace in Europe seemed impossible, improbable and far too distant for much of the last century”. But she added that it was achieved.
“Europe is about making the impossible, possible, and so is Ukraine.”
Ursula von der Leyen
Commenting on the progress that Ukraine has made to implement the seven steps; a set of reforms it needs to implement as a candidate for EU membership, Ursula von der Leyen said, “It is impressive to see, despite a full blown war, Ukraine is working hard, tirelessly and intensively on the seven steps.”
“A lot of progress has been made but work has to continue,” she added.
READ ALSO: Putin Claims ‘Real War’ Unleashed Against Russia In Moscow Victory Day Speech
