Speaking in the French parliament, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky rejected concessions of territories.
In an address to French legislators on June 7, he said: writes DW that he believes in the victory of his country in the war against Russia. Kyiv is not ready to make territorial concessions to end the war with the Russian Federation, since such a step would only give Moscow a pause before a new war. The parliament hall was not completely filled, but the deputies present greeted the head of the Ukrainian state with a standing ovation.
Reminding the audience of the courage of the people who fought during World War II against the National Socialists for the sake of a free Europe, Zelensky expressed confidence that Ukraine would be able to win the war against Russia:
“Can we win this battle? Absolutely, yes. We can. Ukraine, and therefore Europe. Europe, and therefore France. I am as sure of this as France. France believed in freedom when D-Day “has not yet taken place, but that landing day, like the day of European victory, was inevitable. Can Putin win the war? No, because you and I have no right to lose. Can this war go out on the lines that exist now? No , because there are no lines for evil – whether 80 years ago or now. And if someone tries to draw time lines themselves, it will only give a pause before a new war… Hitler overcame line after line, just as he does today. Putin.”
Vladimir Zelensky stated, notes DW that the Russian authorities are “looking for ways to destabilize Europe”: “We are already seeing how aggression is spreading to the Baltic states, Poland and the Balkans.” Vladimir Putin is “blackmailing the whole world so that everyone fears him.” Zelensky repeated his call to Western countries to strengthen support for Ukraine:
“All we need is not to be alone. Your warplanes, flown by Ukrainian pilots, will prove that Europe is stronger than the evil that threatens it.”
Vladimir Zelensky visited Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to participate in celebration 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. Russia was not invited to these celebrations. This is Zelensky's fourth visit to Paris since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Zelensky's speech before the French National Assembly:
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