Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on the European Union on Tuesday for countries to prove they are on Ukraine’s side in its war with Russia – a day after signing an official membership application. to the block.
“We are striving to be equal members of Europe,” Zelenskiy said in a videoconference address to the European Parliament.
“Prove that you are with us. Prove that you will not abandon us. Prove that you really are Europeans and then life will conquer death and light will conquer darkness. Glory to Ukraine,” he said in Ukrainian in a speech translated into English by an interpreter speaking through tears as emotion washed over parliament.
EU lawmakers, many wearing T-shirts with a hashtag supporting Ukraine and holding the Ukrainian flag, others with blue and yellow scarves or ribbons, gave Zelensky a standing ovation.
“The European Union will be much stronger with us. Without you, Ukraine will be lonely,” Zelensky said, with Kiev likely aware that Ukraine’s bid for membership will be long and difficult.
EU lawmakers are expected to call Russia a “rogue state” and urge the 27-nation bloc to agree to even tougher sanctions, according to a draft text to be voted on later on Tuesday.
The European Union has taken unprecedented steps, including funding arms deliveries to Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a war against his neighbor last week.
According to a draft resolution and amendments supported by the main parties in the assembly, lawmakers will call for the scope of sanctions to be broadened and “aimed at strategically weakening the Russian economy and industrial base, in particular the military-industrial complex.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “effectively makes Russia a rogue state,” lawmakers should say.
While Putin “recalls the most terrible statements of 20th century dictators”, Zelensky is being “heroic”, said the draft non-binding resolution.
The European Parliament will also urge EU leaders to tighten up on oligarchs and officials close to the Russian leadership, restrict Russian oil and gas imports, ban Russia and its ally Belarus entirely from the SWIFT banking messaging system, and close all EU ports for Russian ships or ships to or from Russia.
“Europe’s message is clear. Let’s stand up, let’s not look away when those fighting in the streets for our values overthrow Putin’s war machine,” said EU Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola, speaking in front of the EU and Ukraine flags. .
Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation”.
Source: CNN Brasil
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