BRUSSELS: “Prove that you are with us,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the European Union on Tuesday, a day after Kyiv officially asked to join the bloc as it battles invading Russian forces.
EU lawmakers, many wearing #standwithUkraine T-shirts bearing the Ukrainian flag, others with blue-and-yellow scarves, gave Zelensky a standing ovation as he addressed the European parliament via video link. “We are fighting to be equal member of Europe,” Zelensky said in Ukrainian in a speech translated into English by an interpreter who spoke through tears. “Without you, Ukraine is going to be alone. We have proven our strength. We have proven that, at a minimum, we are exactly the same as you are… So do prove that you are with us. Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you are indeed Europeans, and then life will win over death and light will win over darkness…” Zelensky said.
“We are (with you),” European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic said in response to Zelensky’s appeal, saying the EU would provide Ukraine with weapons, on top of slapping unprecedented sanctions on Russia. Charles Michel, the chairman of EU leaders, told the EU parliament after Zelensky’s speech the bloc would have to seriously look at Ukraine’s “legitimate” request to join. But he added: “It is going to be difficult, we know there’re different views in Europe (about further enlargements).” The presidents of eight central and eastern European nations on Monday published an open letter calling for Ukraine to be granted immediate EU candidate status and for the start of formal membership talks. reuters
EU lawmakers, many wearing #standwithUkraine T-shirts bearing the Ukrainian flag, others with blue-and-yellow scarves, gave Zelensky a standing ovation as he addressed the European parliament via video link. “We are fighting to be equal member of Europe,” Zelensky said in Ukrainian in a speech translated into English by an interpreter who spoke through tears. “Without you, Ukraine is going to be alone. We have proven our strength. We have proven that, at a minimum, we are exactly the same as you are… So do prove that you are with us. Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you are indeed Europeans, and then life will win over death and light will win over darkness…” Zelensky said.
“We are (with you),” European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic said in response to Zelensky’s appeal, saying the EU would provide Ukraine with weapons, on top of slapping unprecedented sanctions on Russia. Charles Michel, the chairman of EU leaders, told the EU parliament after Zelensky’s speech the bloc would have to seriously look at Ukraine’s “legitimate” request to join. But he added: “It is going to be difficult, we know there’re different views in Europe (about further enlargements).” The presidents of eight central and eastern European nations on Monday published an open letter calling for Ukraine to be granted immediate EU candidate status and for the start of formal membership talks. reuters