Ukraine proved its European choice and paid a high price for it. Now is the time for Europe to show that it chooses Ukraine. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a debate in the course of the extraordinary plenary session of the European Parliament on Russian aggression against Ukraine.
“I think that today we give for values, rights, for freedom, just for the desire to be equal, the same as you, as every person - we give our best people, the strongest,” the Head of State emphasized.
The President is convinced that Ukrainians will definitely win.
“There is a saying "Ukrainian choice of Europe" - what we aspired to and what we went to. I would very much like Europe's choice of Ukraine to sound today," he noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that this morning was tragic for Ukraine, as two cruise missiles hit Freedom Square in Kharkiv, located near the border with the Russian Federation. The inhabitants of this city have always been very warm to the Russians. Kharkiv has the largest number of universities in Ukraine and many bright, smart, active young people.
"Freedom Square is the largest square in Europe. Imagine: in the morning, two cruise missiles hit Freedom Square. Dozens of victims. This is what the price of freedom is. We are just fighting for our land and our freedom. And believe me, despite the fact that all the big cities of our state are now blocked, no one will invade our freedom and state. Every square from today, whatever it is called, will be called Freedom Square. In every city of our state. Nobody will break us. We are strong. We are Ukrainians," the President stressed.
The Head of State also noted that as of yesterday, 16 children had died in Ukraine.
"Once again, President Putin will say that this is “an operation, we are firing at the military infrastructure." Where are our children? What military plants do they work at? On which rockets are they? Maybe they ride in tanks? You killed 16 children," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to him, Ukrainians are a very motivated people who are fighting for their rights, freedom and life.
"And now we are fighting for survival. And this is our main motivation. But we are also fighting to be equal members of Europe. And I think today we are all showing that we are. With us, the EU will definitely be stronger. Without you, Ukraine will be alone," the President said.
"We have proved our strength. Prove that you are with us. Prove that you do not let us go. Prove that you are truly Europeans. And then life will overcome death, and light will overcome darkness," summed up Volodymyr Zelenskyy.