Zelenskyy’s standing ovation at European Parliament: 'Nobody is going to break us'
NBC | The European Parliament gave a standing ovation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's emotional speech, which highlighted his country's determination and worth.
"Our people are highly determined, incredibly motivated," Zelenskyy added. "We are fighting for our rights, for our liberties, for our lives." "And now we're fighting for our lives, and that's the most powerful motivator we have."
"However, we are also working for equal membership in Europe. Today, I believe we are demonstrating to everyone that we are exactly that. With us, the European Union will undoubtedly become considerably stronger."
The address occurred just hours after Zelenskyy made a request to the European Union for quick membership for Ukraine.
On Sunday, the European Union announced further steps to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, including bans on Russian planes and state-owned media.
However, a spokesman for the European Union warned Tuesday that membership "is a complex and protracted procedure that typically takes years."
"As of now, we have neither accepted Ukraine's application for membership in the European Union nor are we conducting any special admission process," she stated.
Despite this, Zelenskyy's words moved the European Parliament, which stood and applauded for about a minute after he finished speaking.
On March 1, 2022, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen applauds after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video message to the European Parliament in Brussels during an extraordinary session on Ukraine.
"We're dealing with reality, we're dealing with people who have been killed, real life," he explained.
He spoke in detail about Russia's early bombings on Kharkiv.
According to him, the city is home to more than 20 universities. Students and citizens of Kharkiv frequently assemble for celebrations in Ukraine's largest square, Freedom Square, he said.
"Can you believe, two cruise missiles hit this freedom plaza this morning, killing hundreds of people?" Zelenskyy bemoaned. "This is the cost of liberty."
During this part of the speech, a translator was overcome with emotion. His voice cracked many times, and he inhaled deeply before gathering himself.
"Believe me," Zelenskyy said again. "Every square in every city in our country will be renamed 'freedom square,' regardless of its current name. Nobody will be able to break us. We are a formidable force. Ukrainians are who we are."
Zelenskyy appealed to Europe to support Ukraine.
"We've demonstrated our strength; we've proven that, at the very least, we're the same as you," he remarked. "So show us that you're with us, that you won't abandon us... and life will triumph over death, and light will triumph over darkness."