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The Ukrainian president on Tuesday addressed the European Parliament by videolink, saying Ukraine had earned the fitting to be instantly accepted into the bloc as a member.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plea to be accepted got here on the sixth day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, amid rising issues about civilian casualties.
What did Zelenskyy say?
Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament in an emotional message, explaining that he was doing so amid a break in missile strikes.
The president outlined his perception that Ukraine deserved to be a part of the EU, and that it had proven so in its combat for survival.
“I consider that we, at present, we’re giving lives for the need to be equal, as a lot as you’re,” Zelenskyy mentioned. “We’re giving freely our greatest individuals.”
He highlighted the plight of town of Kharkiv, which was hit by missile assaults on Monday and Tuesday. However he added: “No one goes to interrupt us. We’re sturdy. We’re Ukrainian.”
“Do show that you’re with us. Do show that you’ll not allow us to go. Do show that you’re certainly Europeans after which life will win over demise and lightweight will win over darkness,” he mentioned.
“The EU might be a lot stronger with us. With out you, Ukraine might be lonesome.”
There was a standing ovation from EU lawmakers, many carrying #standwithUkraine T-shirts emblazoned with the Ukrainian flag, others with blue-and-yellow scarves or ribbons.
‘Darkish shadow of Putin’s warfare’
Forward of Zelenskyy’s tackle, European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola had mentioned she condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine “within the strongest doable states.”
“We’re right here at the hours of darkness shadow of Putin’s warfare, a warfare we didn’t provoke. A warfare we didn’t begin. An invasion of a sovereign unbiased state.”
She mentioned the EU would assist warfare crimes investigations towards each Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian chief Alexander Lukashenko.
Metsola additionally underlined the EU’s sanctions towards Russia and mentioned: “This should be our no matter it takes second.”
What assist is there for Ukraine’s membership?
The presidents of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia on Monday all signed an open letter calling for Ukraine to obtain EU candidate standing.
The bloc says candidate standing affords tangible advantages for membership hopefuls, making states extra engaging for funding, easing commerce flows and offering larger stability.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday additionally backed the membership plea for Ukraine, in addition to Moldova, Hungary and Georgia.
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen has spoken in favor of Ukraine becoming a member of the EU, however the resolution should be taken unanimously by all EU member states moderately than the manager arm in Brussels.
Nevertheless, German Overseas Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday cautioned towards a hasty accession of Ukraine.
“EU accession is just not one thing that may be achieved in a number of months,” Baerbock mentioned, whereas emphasizing that Ukraine is “a part of the home of Europe.”
Edited by: Natalie Muller
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