President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the European Parliament.
The Ukrainian president was greeted by the Head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. On the occasion of the arrival of the Ukrainian president, the flag of Ukraine was installed in the parliamentary hall, and Zelenskyy's speech was greeted with prolonged applause. Before Zelenskyy's address, Metsola made a welcoming speech. She noted that today Ukrainians are the soldiers of Mariupol, the soldiers who liberated Zmiyinyy Island, many villages and cities, and their names will be remembered forever. And in these times, Ukraine continues to feed the world with grain, and when trouble came to Turkey, Ukraine, despite the challenges at home, came to its aid.
"I am proud that this building of European democracy and all the members of the European Union have always stood with you," she said, adding that Ukraine is fighting for common values.
"Ukraine is Europe. And your future is in the European Union," she emphasized.
Metsola noted that the next step for the allies should be to consider providing Ukraine with fighter jets.
"You will win. Glory to Ukraine!" the President of the European Parliament concluded her speech.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his speech with the words "Glory to Ukraine!" He thanked Metzola for her powerful words and personal attention.
"I am grateful for the integrity and energy of you all and yours personally - two qualities that we see invariably in the current struggle for Europe," he said.
The President of Ukraine added that Europe was lucky to have an absolute majority of principled and energetic people in the European Parliament.
"Dear representatives of Europe, dear leaders of Europe, we are all Europeans, combining these two statuses of representatives and leaders of Europe. This combination reflects what modern Europe gives to the world - European rules of life, where everyone matters. The rule of law... When there is diversity, there are values, when borders are not violated, but you don't notice crossing them. When people believe in tomorrow and are ready to take to the streets. When there is only one barrier between the president and the protesters - fair elections. This is our Europe, this is our way of life, our way home," the President emphasized.
Zelenskyy said that he came to protect the way home for all Ukrainians of different political views and religions, but one European history. Russians are trying to destroy Ukraine's European path with war to destroy the European path as such.
"For everyone from all 27 European ways of life, 27 EU countries. We will not allow this. This total war that Russia has unleashed is not just about territory. Its threat is that there is a dictator with huge stockpiles of Soviet weapons, with support from other countries, including the Iranian regime. To be able to wage this war, the Kremlin has been absolutely cynical, consistently, step by step, year by year, destroying what we see in the core of our Europe," Zelenskyy said.
For the Kremlin, no one matters except those inside it, everyone else is just a body to carry weapons.
"The rule of violence and obedience is what governs there instead of law," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He emphasized that we are defending ourselves against the largest anti-European force in the modern world. Ukrainians are on the battlefield together with Europe. Only Ukraine's victory will guarantee each of our common values.
"Each and every one of you can influence our common result, our common victory," he said, addressing every European, regardless of profession.
The President of Ukraine thanked everyone who extended a helping hand to the displaced persons.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped our people, our displaced citizens, those who urged leaders to step up the protection of ordinary people, those who took to the streets, those who asked questions, those who steered clear of the temptations of Russian disinformation, and those who are with us in the fight for life. I thank you. I thank everyone helping Ukraine with vital supplies: weapons, ammunition, fuel," Zelenskyy added.
Ukrainian President noted that today at a meeting of the European Council, he would have the opportunity to personally thank the leaders of European countries.
"Ukraine will be a member of the European Union. A winning Ukraine will be a member of the winning European Union," the President emphasized.
He added that we are all equal in representing Europe, not cowering before the enemy but standing up for ourselves.
"Europe will always be, and remain Europe as long as we are together and as long as we take care of the European way of life,'' Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded his speech.
After the speech, Metsola handed Zelenskyy a flag of the European Union. After that, the national anthem of Ukraine was played, followed by the EU anthem.
After his speech in the European Parliament, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with the leaders of the 27 EU member states.
