Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking in the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, stated that Ukraine did not choose this war and is doing everything possible to end it.
In his speech, the head of state emphasized that Russian aggression is systemic and began long before 2022. He said that Vladimir Putin "cannot accept the fact that other people can live differently from the way he wants."
"That's why he's trying to manipulate people, not only now, but since the day he came to power. He personifies war itself. Anyone who supports Putin doesn't realize they're choosing war. That's how it was in 1999, and that's how it remains today," Zelenskyy said.
According to him, Moscow's aggressive policy has consistently expanded: after the war in Chechnya, Russia invaded Georgia and Ukraine, became involved in the Syrian conflict, and waged military action or influenced political processes in several African countries. The president emphasized that Russia systematically disregards the borders and sovereignty of other states, supports authoritarian regimes, including in Iran, and demonstrates a selective attitude toward international law.
"Putin's Russia was born out of the war in Chechnya and then moved on to Georgia. Putin does not respect the independence of his neighbors, with the exception of China and North Korea, because he depends on them," Zelenskyy concluded.
The speech also focused on the steps Ukraine expects from the European Union. The president stated the need to clearly define the start date for Ukraine's EU membership process and provide reliable security guarantees to deprive Moscow of the ability to influence this process.
"There is no place in the free world for Russian oil, Russian tankers, Russian banks, or Russian war criminals. The time has come to ban entry into Europe for all individuals involved in Russian aggression," the head of state emphasized.
The address also called for accountability: "We must say 'no' to Russian war criminals."
According to Zelenskyy, Europe's response must be united and decisive—both in increasing pressure on Russia and in supporting Ukraine on its path to European integration and strengthening security.
