Watch: ‘Prove that you’re with us,’ Ukraine’s Zelenskyy tells MEPs

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given an emotional speech to MEPs from Kyiv calling for his nation to hitch the European Union.

Showing over video hyperlink because the Russian military continues its assault, Zelenskyy referred to as on Europe to show that it supported his nation by permitting it to hitch the EU.

“We’re preventing for our rights, for our freedoms and now we’re preventing for survival. We’re additionally preventing to be equal members of Europe,” Zelenskyy mentioned.

“Do show that you’re with us. Do show that you’ll not allow us to go. Do show that you’re certainly Europeans. After which, life will win over demise and light-weight will win over darkness. Glory be to Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy was talking simply days after European Fee President Ursula Von der Leyen informed Euronews that Ukraine “is considered one of us and we wish them within the European Union”.

It got here as Brussels introduced that it was sending weapons to the nation, banning Russian-backed media and blocking Russian planes from European air house.

However though Zelenskyy has referred to as for quick recognition, the method of accession may take a while. Within the case of different nations, together with Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and North Macedonia, it has taken years.

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, mentioned there have been “totally different opinions and sensitivities” amongst EU members on Kyiv’s accession.

“Membership is a long-standing request from Ukraine,” mentioned Michel. “However there are totally different opinions and sensitivities inside the EU on enlargement.

“Ukraine will submit an official request, the European Fee must categorical an official opinion and the Council will determine.”

Zelenskyy speech got here amid a unprecedented session on the European Parliament in Brussels to debate the most recent developments in Ukraine.

In the course of the debate, MEPs will vote on a decision condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

They will even vote on a decision to maneuver in the direction of granting EU candidate nation standing to Ukraine.