Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 - Brussels

Address by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

  President. – Dear Members and dear guests, today we mark 1 000 days since Russia's unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. To begin, I would like to invite you all to watch a short video showing how this European Parliament has stood with Ukraine for 1 000 days, and we will continue to do so – for as long as it takes.

(A short video was shown)

(Loud applause)

Now it is an honour to welcome the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, joining us live.

(President Zelenskyy appeared on screen)

(The House rose)

(Loud and sustained applause)

Today, we mark 1 000 days since Russia unleashed its brutal invasion of Ukraine – 1 000 days of terror, suffering and unimaginable loss; 1 000 days of courage, resilience and unbreakable spirit.

For 1 000 days, the people of Ukraine and you, President Zelenskyy, have shown the world what true bravery looks like. You have stood up, refusing to break. Your people are an inspiration to all who value freedom around the world.

For 1 000 days, this European Parliament has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and their representatives in the Verkhovna Rada, united and unwavering. And we will continue to stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow and every day – for as long as it takes.

This is an assault not only on Ukraine, but on the rules‑based order, an assault on our values and on our way of life. Peace, democracy and freedom – this is what is at stake here. We know the sacrifice the Ukrainian people are enduring, not just for themselves, but for all of us.

I will forever be proud that this Parliament has led the charge in supporting Ukraine with political, financial, humanitarian and military assistance. We will always stand for peace – a real peace based on justice, dignity and the principle of 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine'.

(Applause)

This is why we have imposed tough sanctions on Russia, and we call to go even further to hit Russia's war machine. This is why we were the first to call for Ukraine's rightful place inside our European Union. And this is why we were there on the ground in Kiev just a couple of weeks after the invasion began.

Today we send a clear, simple message. We stand with Ukraine until freedom, until real peace – for as long as it takes. Slava Ukraini!

(Loud applause)

Now I give you the floor, dear President, dear Volodymyr. The floor is yours.