Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives an introductory remark during plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Russia (T)

troubles in Ukraine (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

president's agenda

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on two years into Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, 'Dear colleagues. Last Saturday marked two years since Russia launched its war of aggression against independent and sovereign Ukraine. A war that no one wanted, that no one invited, that no-one provoked but one that Europe united to meet.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I happened to be in Kyiv with President Zelenskyy, representing this House, when we learnt that the city of Bucha had been liberated by Ukrainian forces. We saw the horror of what the Russian troops left behind: the destruction, the decay, the suffering, the slaughter of innocents, the brutal sexual violence on women and girls. This is a reality that the world has witnessed across Ukraine for the last 734 days.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, While the horror is as real today as it was then, the world also bore witness to the unshakeable courage of the people of Ukraine. They stood up. They defied the odds. And they inspired the world. They continue to inspire us all.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, And the worst of times in the last years have also brought out the best of Europe. A unity and sense of common purpose that culminated in Ukraine being granted EU candidate status. A common bond between our house and the Verhovna Rada forged literally under fire.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, We have stood with Ukraine and we will remain by their side for as long as it takes to find peace. A real peace with justice, with accountability, and with integrity. We are a continent built for peace. Our union is the promise we made to a generation who only knew war, and it is a promise that we must keep protecting. That is why we could not and did not hesitate to stand with Ukraine when it mattered the most. Why our political, diplomatic, humanitarian, finance, moral and military support did not waver as we welcomed millions of Ukrainian people forced to flee from their homeland into our homes and our hearts.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, To everyone in Ukraine: We want you to know that you can continue to count on this House and our Members support. We know that what it is at stake, what the consequences of action and inaction are, why Europe needs to stand up for our values and our freedoms. Together, we will win. Slava Ukriani.