Combatant Zelensky to European Parliament: ‘Without you Ukraine will be lonely’ | Abroad
As Vladimir Putin’s bombs destroy his country, Zelensky outlines the consequences of the bloodshed for his people. “Sixteen children have died. Putin will say they only hit military infrastructure, but what kids work there?”
The description of a meaningless view of war is listeners. Even the interpreter can’t keep it dry. The contrast between Kiev at war and the safe meeting palace in Brussels could not be greater. He speaks forcefully from his bunker in a green army shirt. They, all EU leaders and hundreds of MEPs, listen decorated with yellow blues, pamphlets and Ukrainian flags.
Zelenksi has officially applied for membership of the country bloc on Monday. “With us, the European Union will be stronger. Without you we will be lonely,” the president said. “Prove that you are on our side, that you will not leave us alone and that you are real Europeans. Then life will be light from death, and life from darkness.”
Standing ovation
The message received loud applause and a standing ovation. The European Parliament calls in a resolution to pave the way for the granting of candidate country status. A symbolic call, because parliament has no role in the process at the moment.
It is now the turn of the European Commission, the executive board of the European Union, to issue a first opinion. Later it is up to all deadlines for determining Ukraine may become candidate country. This is a step initial negotiations and initial reforms.
The European Union recognizes the application for membership on Tuesday. “There are different developments and visions about it,” said President Charles Michel of the European Council. “But it is up to us to take up this subject matter.”
EU leader Michel used the terms ‘legitimate, symbolic and political’ when he speaks about the application. In Brussels they realize that an independent Ukraine may no longer exist.
There must be a first step in the process. The Netherlands, Germany and France, among others, are resisting. They don’t like the whole discussion now. But several other interests in Eastern Europe argue in favor of a special trajectory.