On Thursday, February 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a hero’s welcome in Brussels on the second day of his European mini-tour.
“We are not only defending our territory, we are defending our European home”, the Ukrainian leader said at a European summit.He has “in person” Thanks to the Heads of State and Government of the European Union “Unwavering Support” These last few months. But he also warned that more should be done:
“We need artillery, ammunition, modern tanks, long-range missiles, modern fighter jets (…). Please do more. We must go faster than our attackers. »
He also called for tougher economic sanctions on Moscow. The moment is crucial for Ukraine, which fears the recent Russian military victory in the Donbass and fears a major offensive in the coming weeks.
In the morning, MEPs welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky with a standing ovation after a stopover in London and Paris the previous day. “Welcome home, welcome to the EU!” », initiated by European Council President Charles Michel.Visibly moved, he listened attentively, listening to the Ukrainian national anthem with parliamentary president Roberta Mezzola, who “A historic day in Europe”.
Macron and Schulz delayed on plane
Estimates for the European Union and its member states ” At least” They have provided Kyiv with 67 billion euros in military, financial and humanitarian support since the conflict began on February 24, 2022.EU will “Continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary”, German Chancellor Olaf Schulz promised. ” It is very important that we expedite military assistance. We need to do more”Plea to Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Received by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles in London on Wednesday III, the Ukrainian president was welcomed in Paris on Wednesday night by Emmanuel Macron, who also invited Olaf Schulz to a dinner at the Elysee Palace. mm. So far, Macron and Schulz have made impromptu arrangements on the plane. “I believe we must prioritize useful deliveries to carry out these actions and resist, rather than promises that will arrive very late or very far away”the French president explained in Brussels, and assured that there was no discussion of the plane with Monsieur in Paris. Zelensky. “You have to look at what can be delivered in the short term”he insisted.
Ukrainian president has demanded in London “Fighter of Ukraine, Wings of Liberty”. Seemingly opening door to aircraft deliveries, UK head of government has pledged to train fighter pilots “Meets NATO Standards”. He asked the British Army to study possible aircraft deliveries, the only possible solution“long term”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Thursday, “Germany, Britain, France increasingly drawn into conflict”. “The line between indirect and direct involvement is fading away. We can only regret it”he has not announced.