Ukraine never chose this war, never started it, and never provoked it. That is why it is doing everything possible to stop Russia’s aggression. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in his video address to the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war.
The Head of State thanked Members of the European Parliament for their continued attention, support, and firm stance against Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine.
“Putin cannot accept one simple thing – that somewhere people can live differently and enjoy a life that is not the one he prefers. That is why he has been consistently trying to break someone – not just now, not just for 4 years, but throughout his entire time in power. He is war itself. And anyone who supports Putin cannot fail to understand that they are choosing war,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that this is not the first time Ukraine has had to defend itself against a Russian invasion, but it is the first time it has such a broad coalition of support. This is a shared achievement of everyone who was not afraid on February 24, 2022, and who is not afraid now.
“Today, we must be just as determined and strong as we were when the invasion began. The threat hasn’t become smaller. Yes, we are holding Russia back, but we have not yet guaranteed security. And only together can we do this – together in Europe, together with America,” the Head of State said.
The President emphasized the need to continue applying the full range of protection against Russia – from strong sanctions to real support for life after Russian strikes.
“Each of you understands what fills Putin’s wallet with money and allows him to drag out this war. So there must be no place in the free world for Russian oil, for Russian tankers, Russian banks, Russian sanctions evasion schemes, or for any Russian war criminals – the time has come to fully ban all participants in Russia’s aggression from entering Europe,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
According to the Head of State, Ukraine also needs the full spectrum of security guarantees – to prevent the spread of Russian aggression across Europe and to ensure the ability to support any European country should it become the target of a new Russian war.
The President underscored that the important decision on the EUR 90 billion to support Ukraine over the next two years is on the table, and that everything must be done to implement it. In addition, it is vital for Ukraine to receive a clear date for accession to the European Union as part of diplomacy aimed at ending the war.
“This is not just a wish. It is a clear understanding of how Putin will act. If there is no date, if there is no such guarantee, he will find a way to block Ukraine for decades by dividing you – by dividing Europe. We must protect ourselves from this,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State also thanked all European countries supporting Ukraine’s energy system, air defense, and the Coalition of the Willing, which has brought together European countries, the United States, Canada, and Japan.
“Russians must learn that Europe is a union of independent nations and millions of people who do not tolerate humiliation and will not accept violence. Please continue to defend the European way of life. Please support Ukraine. Please support our diplomacy for peace. And be effective – every result you achieve is a line that Putin cannot cross,” the President concluded.
