Zelensky Addresses European Parliament: Ukraine's Fight for Peace and European Principles

Ukraine's Stance on the War

• 🇺🇦 Ukraine did not choose this war and is doing everything possible to stop it, emphasizing that Moscow initiated the conflict.
• 🇪🇺 The speaker highlights that Russia represents a ruthless, anti-European project that disregards human rights and the freedom of its neighbors.
• 🎯 Russia's aggression is characterized as a threat from an unstable dictatorship that cannot accept different ways of life in Europe.

Historical Context and Russian Aggression

• 🇷🇺 Putin's Russia has a history of aggression, starting with Chechnya, moving to Georgia, and impacting Syria and African countries, which has contributed to migrant waves in Europe.
• 🌍 The speaker notes that Russia supports regimes like Iran and ignores killings, a reality that cannot be ignored.
• 🚫 The European Parliament is commended for never compromising its principles in relations with Russia.

Call for Unity and Support

• 🤝 Ukraine is defending itself for the first time with such a large coalition of support, a shared achievement of those who stood firm.
• 🛡️ The threat from Russia has not diminished, and maintaining transatlantic unity between Europe and America is crucial for security.
• 💰 The importance of strong sanctions against Russia is stressed, including banning Russian oil, banks, and war criminals from the free world.

Future Security and EU Integration

• 💶 A decision on 90 billion euros in support for Ukraine over two years is highlighted as a critical financial guarantee for security and resilience.
• 🗓️ Receiving a clear date for joining the EU is presented as vital to prevent Russia from dividing Europe and blocking Ukraine for decades.
• 🚀 The 'coalition of the willing,' comprising European nations, the US, Canada, and Japan, is urged to be truly willing to end the war.

Defending European Values

• 🚫 Europe is not a playground for Russian oligarchs or officials but a union of independent nations that will not tolerate humiliation or violence.
• 🇪🇺 The call is to continue defending the European way of life, support Ukraine, and advance diplomacy for peace.