Zelenskyy thanks EU for assistance, presses for fast membership decision
Met with a hero’s welcome in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded a whirlwind tour of Europe on Thursday by voicing gratitude for his allies’ help — and seeking more support as the war with Russia nears its second year.
Zelenskyy’s focus at a meeting with the leaders of all 27 European Union member states was not the longer-range missiles and aircraft that he pursued in London and Paris on Wednesday, but financial aid to run and rebuild his country.
He also renewed his push for Ukraine’s quick accession to the EU. Brussels, Belgium’s capital, hosts most of the EU’s key institutions.
The trip, only the second outside of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began, marked a significant moment in Zelenskyy’s efforts to keep up international support. Politicians, officials, staff members and the press lined the staircases and balconies at the European Parliament, applauding Zelenskyy as he walked through the labyrinthine building to address a packed hall.
He was visibly moved when the Ukrainian national anthem played at the Parliament, holding his hand over his heart. He then pressed his case that Ukraine belongs in the EU.
“A Ukraine that is winning is going to be member of the European Union,” Zelenskyy said.
“This is our Europe. These are rules. This is our way of life.
“And for Ukraine, it’s a way home,” he told lawmakers. “I’m here in order to defend our people’s way home.”
Zelenskyy was then whisked 1 mile away where the leaders of the EU member states were waiting for him.
He acknowledged Europe’s efforts to support Ukraine, including through sanctions on Russia, through military aid and by weaning itself off Moscow’s energy supply, but called for his allies to do more, including opening talks this year for his country to become the bloc’s 28th member.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, however, said “there is no rigid timeline.” In practice, membership often has taken decades to complete.
Zelenskyy described Ukrainians as fighting for their own freedom and for Europe’s.
“I hope that you understand that when you help Ukraine, you’re helping yourselves,” Zelenskyy said. “I would like to stress this is in the interest of all of us, not just Ukrainians, but all Europeans, that Russia should not make new missiles, that Russia should not attack our cities.”