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Ukraine deserves to make the next year the year of peace – Address by President Zelenskyy to the participants of the EU Parliament’s Extraordinary Session marking 1000 days of full-scale war
19 November 2024
Thank you so much. Thank you very much, dear Roberta, Madam President!
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
dear friends,
our friends,
friends of Ukraine!
I thank you for supporting Ukraine.
Thank you, Roberta, for calling this extraordinary session of the European Parliament to mark 1,000 days of full-scale war.
Thank you for ensuring that not a single one of the thousand days of this terrible war became a day of betrayal of our shared European values.
We’ve proven that these values are not just words – not something abstract. European values and the European way of life – when transformed into action – protect the lives of real people. Thank you so much.
Together – Ukraine, all of Europe, and our partners in America and around the world – we have succeeded not only in preventing Putin from taking Ukraine but also in defending the freedom of all European nations.
Even with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un by his side, Putin remains smaller than the united strength of Europe. I urge you not to forget this. Do not forget how much Europe is capable of achieving.
If we could stop Europe’s way of life from falling, then we can surely push Russia towards a just peace.
Peace is what we desire most. Two years ago, we proposed the Peace Formula, and I am grateful to all of Europe and every partner who has supported it. And you in the European Parliament were among the first to support the Peace Formula. And the only one who opposes it, is the one who started this war – it’s Russia.
And we must push Russia toward just peace.
Every blow and every threat from Russia must be met with firm sanctions.
For a thousand days, it has been crucial to radically reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war through oil sales. Oil is the lifeblood of Putin’s regime. And the shadow fleet of tankers is what keeps it alive.
As long as these tankers operate, Putin continues to kill. Strong sanctions are essential.
I thank each of you – thank you, Roberta, again – I thank each of you who supports our people – our resilience, our ability to restore safety even after the most devastating mass attacks by Russia. Together, we have accomplished much. But we must not fear doing even more.
Now, Putin has brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s border. This contingent may grow to 100,000.
While some European leaders think about winning some elections or something like this at Ukraine’s expense, Putin is focused on winning this war. He won’t stop on his own. The more time he has, the worse the conditions become.
Every “today” is the best moment to push Russia harder. And it is clear – without certain key factors, Russia will lack real motivation to engage in meaningful negotiations: without fires in its ammunition depots on Russian territory, without disrupted military logistics, without destroyed Russian air bases, without its lost capabilities to produce missiles and drones, and without its assets being confiscated.
You know very well that Putin does not value people or rules; he values only money and power – these are the things we must take away from him to restore peace.
If anyone in Europe thinks they can sell Moscow Ukraine – or any other country, like the Baltic states, the Balkans, Georgia, or Moldova – and gain something in return, let them remember this simple truth – no one can enjoy calm waters amid a storm.
We must do everything to end this war – fairly and justly, as you said, Roberta. And of course, together. Together.
A thousand days of war is a tremendous challenge. Tremendous challenge. Ukraine deserves to make the next year the year of peace.
Thank you!
Thank you again. Thank you so much. Thank you for your resolutions, your decisions, your principles, your visits to Ukraine during the war, during the first year of the war, especially the first year when it was so difficult. And thanks for your faith in Ukraine. Thank you very much.
Glory to Ukraine!
Source – Ukrainian President
“One thousand days ago, Russia tried to wipe Ukraine off the map. And for one thousand days, Russia has failed – because of Ukraine’s resistance, and the sacrifice of your heroes.
Today is a day of mourning, but also a day of promise. We promise to keep standing by your side, for as long as it takes.
You can rest assured that European and Western support will continue to flow. 50 billion euros until 2027 from the European Union. 50 billion dollars until 2026 from G7 countries and the European Union.
And now, we are using the proceeds of immobilized Russian assets to boost military production inside Ukraine, and to repair your energy infrastructure ahead of the winter.
Because Russia has to pay for one thousand days of crimes and destruction.
Today I can also announce an additional 65 million euros in support for the initiative to buy school meals for Ukrainian children. It is an initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska.
And the future of a country begins with its children. Russia wants to steal Ukraine’s future.
We will not allow that.
So granting the children’s right to education and making sure they have a warm meal at school, is also a form of resistance.
Dear Ukrainian friends,
The winter ahead may be scary. But it is in stormy days that true friends show up. And Europe is your true friend. We know that one day not so far away you will be part of our Union. Your progress towards joining us is impressive, even more so while you fight an existential war.
And I am confident that we can move to the next stage in our negotiations.
Ukraine’s future is in our Union. Your freedom is our freedom. And our Union is your home.
Long live Europe.
Slava Ukraini.
Source – EU Commission
EU-Abgeordnete Daniel Caspary (EVP/CDU) und Angelika Niebler (EVP/CSU) zu 1000 Tagen russischer Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine
Seit 1000 Tagen dauert der russische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine an. Heute hat das Europäische Parlament den tapferen Kampf der Ukrainerinnen und Ukrainer mit einer Plenar-Sondersitzung gewürdigt, in welcher auch Präsident Selenskyj gesprochen hat. Hierzu erklären Daniel Caspary (CDU), Vorsitzender der CDU/CSU-Gruppe, und Angelika Niebler (CSU), Co-Vorsitzende der CDU/CSU-Gruppe:
„Heute ist ein trauriger Tag. Seit 1000 Tagen führt Russland seinen brutalen Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine. Seit 1000 Tagen verursacht Putin mit seinen Bomben unermessliches Leiden und Sterben auf dem europäischen Kontinent. Seit 1000 Tagen steht das Europäische Parlament geschlossen an der Seite der Ukraine. Wir werden weiter an der Seite der Ukraine stehen, so lange wie nötig.
Nordkoreanische Soldaten, die an der Seite Russlands gegen die Ukraine kämpfen, Bombardements gegen zivile Einrichtungen und die ukrainische Energieversorgung zeigen, dass Putin weiter rücksichtslos den Krieg fortsetzen wird. Umso mehr ist Geschlossenheit unter den europäischen Staaten entscheidend. Wir fordern Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz auf, seiner Verantwortung gerecht zu werden und beispielsweise endlich Taurus-Raketen zu liefern. Deutschland muss in dieser historischen Stunde auf der richtigen Seite stehen: Bei unseren Partnern in den USA, UK, Frankreich, Polen und nicht an der Seite des Putin-Freundes Viktor Orban.
Der russische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine ist nicht nur ein Angriff auf ein souveränes Land, sondern auch ein Angriff auf die grundlegenden Werte der internationalen Gemeinschaft – Freiheit, Demokratie, die Einhaltung völkerrechtlicher Verträge und die Achtung der Menschenrechte. Auf den Schlachtfeldern und in den Schützengräben der Ukraine wird auch das Schicksal Europas entschieden. Die EU und auch Deutschland müssen alles tun, was nötig ist, damit die Ukraine diesen Krieg gewinnt.“
Quelle – CDU/CSU-Gruppe (per E-Mail)
MEP Iratxe García (S&D): “Whatever it takes, we stand with Ukraine”
The S&Ds reiterate their total support to Ukraine after 1,000 days of Russia´s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During a special plenary session held in Brussels in which President Zelenskyy participated remotely from Ukraine, S&D leader Iratxe García called for an increase in EU aid, including military support, and to do all that is necessary for Ukraine to become a free and sovereign country and decide on its future as an EU member.
During the plenary debate, S&D leader Iratxe García, said:
“Today marks 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as 4,000 days since the aggression against Ukraine began in 2014.
“Today I want to reaffirm, on behalf of the S&D family, our total support to Ukraine, for as long as it takes. It is not only about helping Ukraine for as long as necessary, but also about supporting Ukraine with everything necessary. Let us overcome the defeatist message of those who think that Ukraine cannot win the war. Russia has lost many wars in its history.
“And this is why Ukraine needs weapons, because wars are not only won with the power of words; wars are also won with ammunition, tanks, fighters, and air defences.
“Our support for Ukraine is not only a moral obligation to those attacked, but also to international law and a just peace. There is no better guarantee for the security of the European continent than the victory of Ukraine. Because if Ukraine falls, Putin’s nationalist, authoritarian and criminal regime will not stop.
“We will accompany you until your aspirations of being a free and sovereign country that decides its own destiny in the European family become a reality. We will be at your side until the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag waves alongside the blue and yellow of the European flag.”
Source – S&D Group
Renew Europe: Europe’s security is dependent on a free Ukraine
For one thousand days, Ukraine has stood resolutely against Russia’s illegal invasion. Renew Europe honors the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for increased financial and military support, a shared European future, and justice for the crimes committed by the Russian regime.
We believe Ukraine must be free to determine its own destiny. We strongly condemn the intervention of Iran, China, and North Korea in this conflict. The European Union must join forces with democratic allies to shape a future for Ukraine that is free, secure, and firmly anchored in Europe. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
In response to a livestreamed address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the European Parliament, Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer said:
“In this war, there is an aggressor and a victim. Every day, Ukrainian soldiers and civilians endure atrocities that are reminiscent of the worst acts of terrorism. Yet, despite this horror, the people of Ukraine remain unyielding. Supporting Ukraine is not just a moral obligation, it is also a direct investment in Europe’s security. These thousand days have shown us that the Russian regime is capable of the worst, and that lasting peace can only be achieved if we stand firm against autocrats. Europe must redouble its support for Ukraine.”
Addressing President Zelenskyy personally, President Valérie Hayer added:
“Mr. Zelensky, with our common family, Renew Europe, with the overwhelming majority of our colleagues in this Parliament, and with all the peoples of Europe, I tell you: we will support you to the end.”
Renew Europe MEP Nathalie Loiseau (Horizons, France), co-chair of Renew Europe’s contact group with the Ukrainian party ‘Servant of the People’, said:
“We have always said we would support Ukraine for as long as necessary. After one thousand days of Russian aggression and the brave defense by Ukraine, it is clear that we must accelerate and expand our support. Ukraine’s future is inseparable from Europe’s security. We will not see lasting peace in Europe until Russia withdraws its troops from Ukrainian soil.”
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP, Chair of the Security and Defence Subcommittee in the European Parliament, said:
“One thousand days in Ukraine means one thousand days of unimaginable Russian brutality and a direct threat to the European security architecture. A defeat in Ukraine would undermine Europe’s security framework and must be prevented at all costs. Russia, however, continues to show that it has no interest in negotiating. We must recognize that any meaningful negotiations can only succeed if we equip Ukraine with the military means to negotiate from a position of strength. Europe must take decisive action now.”
Source – Renew Europe (by email)
1000 days of war “mark a painful milestone”, say Greens/EFA MEPs Sinkevičius & Staķis
Today marks the 1,000th day since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine started on 24 February 2022. Greens/EFA Baltic MEPs Mārtiņš Staķis from Latvia and Virginijus Sinkevičius from Lithuania comment on the ongoing war and urge Member States to uphold their support for Ukraine.
Greens/EFA MEP Mārtiņš Staķis (Progresīvie) comments:
“On the 1,000th day of Ukraine’s heroic resistance against Russia’s full-scale invasion, the world witnesses a nation that refuses to be broken. Ukraine’s courage embodies the values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity at the heart of the European Union, as it steadfastly moves toward EU membership. Russia’s criminal tactics persist, marked by relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure and the killing of civilians, with support from North Korea, Iran, and others. This makes it even more urgent for the EU to act decisively. To protect its sovereignty, Ukraine must be allowed to fully exercise its right to self-defense under international law, which includes removing restrictions on how it can use the weapons it receives. The EU must stand with Ukraine, not in promises, but with decisive support. For Ukraine, victory and a just peace will only come through strength.”
Greens/EFA MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius (Demokratų sąjunga „Vardan Lietuvos“) comments:
“1,000 days of war in Ukraine mark a painful milestone—a reminder of the immense suffering, loss, and destruction caused by Russia’s aggression. Cities have been destroyed, families displaced, and countless lives forever changed. Yet, Ukraine’s people have shown remarkable courage and resilience, standing firm in defense of their country and their future.
“The European Union has stood with Ukraine every step of the way—offering refuge to those fleeing violence, delivering critical aid, and providing the means to resist aggression. But this fight is about more than Ukraine. It is about safeguarding the shared values that unite us: the right to sovereignty, the pursuit of justice, and the promise of peace.
“This moment calls for continued determination and action. Ukraine has paid a heavy price, and it is our responsibility to support their fight for a future defined by freedom and security.”
Source – Greens/EFA
MEP Procaccini (ECR Group): “Homeland is not a word that belongs to the past”
Speaking after the address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s video message to MEPs at the European Parliament in Brussels today, ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini reiterated his group’s firm call for the European Union to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. According to Procaccini, the example of the Ukrainian people defending their country shows that “homeland is not a word that belongs to the past, but is still what holds the meaning of men and women in history. It teaches us that freedom is not a political slogan, but a necessity of the soul”, Procaccini said in his speech.
“Finally, it teaches us that Europe is not a treaty signed in the last century, it is not a set of sometimes unjust rules, a collection of bureaucrats and offices, but is a community of destiny”, he continued.
The full speech reads:
Thank you President, a thousand days ago what was disguised as a mere Russian military exercise on the border with Ukraine turned out to be a full-scale invasion. The first in Europe after years of peace. A failed invasion, this very moment of commemoration reminds us. Failed thanks to the strenuous defence of Ukrainian men and women. Failed thanks to the courage and determination of the Ukrainian president. He was surrounded, threatened, mocked by internet trolls, but he did not flee, neither to a remote dacha in the forest, nor to a Manhattan hotel. He stood where he belonged, with his family, carrying out his duty.
The Putin regime was convinced that it would only take one night to take over Ukraine. It did not. Since that day, the Ukrainian people have been enduring under the weight of indiscriminate shelling, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure and everything essential for survival. Since that day, Ukrainian children have been going to school underground. For a thousand days, Ukraine has been forced to fight and die in order to continue to exist.
What are the Ukrainian people teaching us? Three things above all. That homeland is not a word that belongs to the past, but is still what holds the meaning of men and women in history. It teaches us that freedom is not a political slogan, but a necessity of the soul. Finally, it teaches us that Europe is not a treaty signed in the last century, it is not a set of sometimes unjust rules, a collection of bureaucrats and offices, but is a community of destiny. To which we belong, without having to choose it.
In a few hours there will be another anniversary. On the evening of 21st November 2013, some young people took to the streets of Kiev. They were beaten and killed. They became thousands and gave rise to a popular revolution called Euromaidan. None of us Western Europeans can imagine a generation of high school kids and young workers defying death by colouring their faces in the blue and stars of Europe, but in Ukraine, it happened. They died wrapped in the bloody flags of the European Union: the flag that for us is not much more than an office object. And they died like that, under the bells of St Michael’s monastery, while someone played Chopin on a piano set up on a pile of snow soaked in blood.
That is why we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And not only because it represents the right side of history, but because we know that not defending the principles of freedom and human dignity today would mean accepting a future of chaos, in which the law of force prevails over right and the weakest are destined to succumb.
Those watching this war in China, in Africa, in the Middle East, in Latin America, are waiting to know whether the entire West still believes in its founding values. Among them: the value of peace. Which is not an inescapable condition, unfortunately. But it is a treasure to be protected with courage and sacrifice. Winston Churchill wisely said: “Accepting peace on hard terms is like feeding a crocodile, hoping it will eat us last”. Let us do what is right. For as long as it takes.
