To mark three years since Russia's aggression of Ukraine, the European Parliament held a formal sitting with the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk. In her address, President Metsola said that the European Parliament will keep pushing for just and dignified peace, based on the principle of 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine'.
Dear colleagues,
It is my great honour to welcome to the European Parliament our dear friend Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada.
This month marks three years since Russia launched its brutal, illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Yet as we enter the fourth winter of war, the world has witnessed the Ukrainian people rise up. With courage, with defiance, with an unshakeable determination to defend their land, and their freedom. Against all odds.
I am proud that this Parliament has stood with Ukraine from the very first moment - united, unwavering, and resolute. And our partnership with the Verkhovna Rada has been critical in deepening our ties with the Ukrainian people and preparing Ukraine for its path towards membership.
We will keep pushing for peace. But we must not let go of what we mean by peace. Peace must be just, peace must be dignified, and it must be based on the principle of “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
And for that, Ukraine must be in a position of strength. That means Europe must do more. More financial support. More military aid. More diplomatic pressure. More humanitarian assistance. Because we know that the defence of Ukraine is also the defence of Europe.
This is not just an attack on Ukraine. It is an attack on democracy. On our way of life. On Europe.
Now, it is my great pleasure to give the floor to Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. Ruslan, the floor is yours.
You can read the President's speech in Ukrainian here.