President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address to the European Parliament on February 24, called for a complete ban on entry to Europe for anyone involved in Russian aggression, as well as increased sanctions pressure on Russia. He also stressed the importance of setting a clear date for Ukraine's accession to the EU.
This is reported by a correspondent of Suspilny.
According to him, after four years of full-scale war, the threat from the Russian Federation has not diminished, but Ukraine continues to contain it.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Ukraine has defended itself from a Russian invasion, but this is the first time that we have such a large coalition supporting Ukraine. And this is one of our joint achievements of all who were not afraid on February 24, 2022, and all who are not afraid today. And today we must be as resolute and strong as when the invasion began…. And only together can we do this in Europe. Yes, together with America,” the president said.
He called for continued sanctions pressure on Russia, stressing that “each of you understands that you are filling Putin's wallet with money and allowing him to drag out this war.” He also said that it was time to ban entry to the European Union of anyone involved in Russian aggression.
“Therefore, there should be no place in the free world for Russian oil, Russian tankers, Russian banks, Russian sanctions, invasions, machinations, schemes, or any Russian war criminals. It is time to completely ban all participants in Russia's aggression from entering the territory of all of Europe,” the president noted.
Zelensky stressed that Russia currently treats Europe with contempt, viewing it exclusively as “land for the villas of Russian oligarchs.”
“In many ways, we see how Russia despises Europe, but Russians must understand that Europe is not just a land for the villas of Russian oligarchs. It is not a museum for the mistresses of Russian officials, where they can admire the beauty, and it is not a resting place for Russian murderers,” Zelensky said.
In addition, the head of state announced that an important decision to provide Ukraine with financial assistance in the amount of 90 billion euros is currently being considered. In his opinion, such support over the next two years should become “a guarantee of our security and our stability.” He also called for this decision to be made as soon as possible and thanked everyone “who is working to make this possible.”
Zelensky also emphasized that it is important for Ukraine to receive a clear date for joining the European Union.
“As part of the diplomatic process that is currently taking place within the framework of all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war, and this is not just a wish, this is a clear understanding of how Putin will act. If there is no specific date, if there is no such guarantee, he will find a way to block Ukraine for decades, dividing you, dividing Europe. We must protect ourselves from this,” the president added.