President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine signaled that Europe represents a returning home for his country, describing Europe as the destination Ukrainians defend against what he called a total war waged by Russia. He argued that Moscow aims to erode the European way of life within Ukraine and urged Europe to stand firm in the face of aggression.
Zelensky reaffirmed, “For Ukraine, Europe is the way home. I am here to defend the way home for all Ukrainians of every age, social status and faith.”
The Ukrainian president spoke ahead of a meeting where European lawmakers greeted him with sustained applause in Brussels, marking the start of his engagements before departing for the leaders’ summit the following day.
#Live | Zelenski visits Brussels and intervenes in the European Parliament in an extraordinary plenary https://t.co/LYRglnJPw2
— Europa Press (@europapress) February 9, 2023
Zelensky framed Ukraine’s defense as integral to protecting Europe, arguing that Russian aggression targets not only Ukraine but the shared values of the European Union. He warned that the Kremlin seeks to drag Europe back to an inhumane era of the 1930s and 1940s, while underscoring that Ukrainian forces are countering Moscow’s anti-European thrust.
He asserted that Europe must say no to such efforts, noting that Ukrainians on the battlefield are defending Europe from anti-European forces. He also referred to Ukraine’s potential entry into the European Union as the “way home,” emphasizing a shared European history.
Next, Zelensky planned to travel to the Council of Europe, where the 27 member states would meet to discuss industrial policy and immigration issues. His visit, however, dominated the agenda, and security considerations dictated a tight schedule.
After a formal welcome and a message to the Council of Europe, bilateral talks with the twenty-seven countries were planned. Meetings with country groups would give European leaders a chance to meet Zelenskiy face to face.
Metsola: “The future of Ukraine is in the EU”
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, began by reaffirming strong support for Ukraine’s future as a member of the European Union. She stressed that the EU’s response to the Russian invasion should be proportional to the existential threat faced by Ukraine.
“Our response must match the threat, and the threat is existential,” Metsola told lawmakers as Zelenskiy received a warm reception. “Ukraine is Europe, and the future of your nation lies in the European Union.”
The Maltese politician, who wore a tie featuring the Ukrainian flag colors, highlighted the ongoing acts of solidarity—such as emergency aid and rescue teams dispatched to Syria and Turkey after the earthquake—demonstrating Ukraine’s commitment to shared European values.
Metsola urged concrete steps toward closer EU integration, including trade facilitation and advancing the accession process as quickly as possible, along with continued financial support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and the provision of military equipment to help win the war.
With Sánchez, Sweden
In Brussels, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joined the discussion as part of the six-month Spanish presidency of the Council, working alongside ministers from Sweden, Italy, Poland, Romania and the Netherlands.
Zelenskiy traveled from Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron to join a trilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Together, the leaders reiterated their firm support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, reinforcing the message that help would continue as needed.
The Spanish government and other European partners highlighted topics such as Ukraine assistance, Europe’s green industrial transition, and migration policy for the upcoming European Council gathering in Brussels.
Arriving in Brussels on the French presidential plane, Zelenskiy was greeted by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, along with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. As the anniversary of the invasion approached, the EU reaffirmed its resolve to support Kiev, a commitment reflected in past high-level visits and ongoing discussions about sanctions and reconstruction funding.
The leaders aimed to present a united front by expanding financial, political, and military support for Ukraine, while exploring new sanctions and legal avenues to hold those responsible accountable before international justice. The dialogue underscored a shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the resilience of Europe in the face of aggression.