On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Ukraine marked 1,000 days of war.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a short speech to the European parliament which was intended as a rallying call to EU nations.
In the address delivered via video link, Zelenskyy told the lawmakers that Russian President, Vladimir Putin had brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s borders and “this contingent may grow to 100,000.”
Zelenskyy added that even with North Korea, Putin remained smaller than “the united states of Europe.”
Aside speaking to the European parliament to mark 1,000 days since Russia invaded Ukraine, Zelenskyy also addressed Ukraine’s parliament.
Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine will fight until victory.
“At this stage of the war, it is being decided who will prevail. Whether us over the enemy, or the enemy over us Ukrainians … and Europeans. And everyone in the world who wants to live freely and not be subject to a dictator.
“We have achieved the highest level of closeness with the EU and NATO since our independence. All necessary architecture for the negotiation process with the EU has been formed. Ukraine’s right to NATO membership is vitally important for all of us.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Recently mooted peace proposals, including one by Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have suggested that Ukraine make concessions on territory or that the frontline of the conflict could be frozen as is.
Zelenskyy rejected this kind of talk, telling Ukraine’s parliament, “We will not trade our sovereignty, security or the future of Ukraine.”
“We will not give up Ukraine’s rights to its territory. And we will not abandon a rational approach to guarantee the rights of our state. We should act wisely. Maybe Ukraine will have to outlive someone in Moscow in order to achieve all its goals.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In a statement to the United Nations Security Council, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha called 1,000 days “a very big number.”
“On one hand, it proves Ukrainian bravery in the face of brutal Russian aggression. […] On the other hand, this number proves the failure of the international community, including this esteemed council, to stop wars of aggression and atrocities.”
Andrii Sybiha
Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told journalists that Moscow is confident of victory in what it labels the “special military operation” that it launched in February 2022 with a full-scale invasion of its neighbour. He added,“The military operation against Kyiv continues … and will be completed.”
Leading European Foreign Ministers Publish Joint Statement On 1,000 Days Of Russian Invasion
Foreign ministers of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain and the UK issued a joint declaration of support for Ukraine after several of them met in Warsaw.
In it, the six Ministers said, “Russia is systematically attacking European security architecture.”
They stressed that Russia’s “reckless revisionism and constant refusal” to stop the aggression and engage in meaningful talks challenges peace, freedom and prosperity on the European continent and in the transatlantic area.
According to the Ministers, Russia is increasingly reliant on partners such as Iran and North Korea in order to sustain its “illegal warfare.”
They noted that Moscow’s escalating hybrid activities against NATO and EU countries are also unprecedented in their variety and scale, creating significant security risks.
Pledging support for Ukraine, the statement added that the six countries will reaffirm the enduring role of a strong and united NATO as a bedrock of European defence and security, strengthen NATO by stepping up security and defence expenditure, as well as strengthen Europe’s security and defence, using all levers available, including the economic and financing power of the EU and by reinforcing Europe’s industrial base.
Moreover, they will also invest in critical military capabilities, enhance resilience to cognitive warfare and hybrid threats in Europe and further step up military, economic and financial support for Ukraine.
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