The deputies greeted the President of Ukraine with a standing ovation – and then listened to him attentively.
Brussels In an emotional appeal to the European Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urgently called for his country’s admission to the European Union. “We are fighting for our rights, for our freedom, for our lives. And now we are fighting for survival,” Zelensky said in a video message on Tuesday at the beginning of a special session of parliament. “But we are also fighting to be equal members of Europe,” Zelensky said, according to the parliamentary translation.
“The European Union will be much stronger with us. That’s for sure,” said Selenski. “Without you, Ukraine will be alone.” Ukraine has proven its strength.
He called on the EU states to stand by Ukraine and not leave the country alone in the face of Russian aggression. “We want to see our children live. Prove you’re with us. (…) Prove that you are actually European.” Then life will win against war.
Selenski was greeted with a standing ovation by the deputies and was also dismissed. Many MPs wore T-shirts with the country’s national flag, and many protest posters were seen in the rows.
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A few days after the Russian attack on his country, Zelenskiy had already called for an “immediate admission of Ukraine according to a new special procedure” on Monday. Joining the EU is usually complicated and lengthy.
In his own video message to the European Parliament on Tuesday, the President of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, also urged his country to join the EU.
More: EU accession in a rush? The most important answers to Ukraine’s membership application