Zelenskiy to EU citizens: Thank you for shelter. Thank you friends!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the European Parliament that he was in Brussels to defend his people's way home and said that Russia wants to destroy the Ukrainian and European way of life, to return Europe to the xenophobia of the 1930s and 1940s.
The president said that Ukraine needs artillery guns, ammunition, modern tanks, long-range missiles and modern fighter jets to protect its security, adding that Ukraine's security is also Europe's security. Volodymyr Zelensky was pleased that Europe had taken strong and firm decisions despite doubts and discussions, and said he would have more bilateral meetings in Brussels to discuss the issue of providing fighter jets to Ukraine. The President of Ukraine made a sincere call for his country to become part of the European Union.
After attending the meeting with European leaders, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a joint press conference in Brussels with the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was grateful for all the support his country has received so far from the European Union, and he especially thanked EU citizens for providing shelter to Ukrainian citizens, calling them friends.
"I was very inspired by your statements that Europe will be with us until victory. Several European leaders have told me this. I am grateful to them for this. I heard that Europe is ready to give us weapons and support, including planes. I will have several bilateral meetings in the next period and we will raise the issue of fighter jet deliveries. We work and continue to work in Brussels. I want to thank you all. I want to thank EU citizens for all your support, for the way you have helped our people, for giving us refuge and shelter. Thank you, friends," Zelensky said.
Charles Michel said that Europe must continue to provide the maximum level of support to Ukraine. The European Council president added that he wanted a "consistent and firm" approach to Russia, including on asset freezes. Charles Michel posted some photos on Twitter with the message: "Shoulder to shoulder, closer than ever, our future is together."
