Ukraine Is Strong, Says Zelensky

New Delhi, March 1: Ukraine President Voldomyr Zelensky on Tuesday said his country has proved it is strong by battling the invading Russians and told a special session of the European Parliament amid thunderous applause to speedily vote on Kyiv’s membership of the European Union. “I cannot say good morning or good day because every day for somebody this is not a good day,” Zelensky said, speaking virtually.

“We have united all Europe but I did not want to be united at this cost. This is a tragedy for all of us. We had five days of full scale invasion,” he said. The President slammed Russia for targeting civilians and mentioned a missile attack at a square in Kharkiv. He said 16 children were among the dead. “This moment is tragic for all of us. Kharkiv is the city which has the most universities. Two cruise missiles hit the square,” he said. An Indian student, Naveen, from Haveri in Karnatka, was also killed in the shelling. Zelensky said Ukraine wanted to be an equal partner in European Union. “We often say we shall overcome every barrier… I am sure we shall be victorious,” he said.

“We are fighting for our land and our freedom. Nobody shall occupy our country.” “We have proved we are strong. Europe, please prove you are together with us, prove you will not repel us. Please prove you are real Europeans, then life will concur death,” he added. As Zelensky’s name was announced, members of the European Parliament gave a standing ovation to him, clapping in support. Almost a minute long clapping was also witnessed at the end of his address. Tuesday is the sixth day of Russian attack on Ukraine. Russian forces continued to bomb and shell many parts of the country.