MEPs debate with Presidents Michel and von der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy chief Borrell Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and vote a related resolution.

EU - Ukraine (T)

debate

plenary session

EU - Russia (T)

troubles in Ukraine (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

MICHEL, Charles (BE)

BORRELL FONTELLES, Josep (PSE, ES, EC)

VON DER LEYEN, Ursula (DE, EC)

Extraordinary Plenary session on the Russian aggression against Ukraine: extracts

Atmosphere outside and inside hemicycle,7 shots

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, As our resolution clearly states, we welcome Mr President Ukraine's application for candidate status. And we will work towards that goal because we win. Because we will and we must face the future together.

SOUNDBITE (null), Volodomyr ZELENSKY, President of Ukraine, I speak today now about my citizens, citizens of Ukraine who are defending are paying the ultimate price, they are defending freedom. I am very happy that what I've seen here now and heard here now, I'm very glad to sense this mood, the uniting, unifying mood. I'm happy that we have unified today, all of you, all the countries of the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian), Volodomyr ZELENSKY, President of Ukraine, Can you imagine this morning two cruise missiles hit the freedom Square, dozens of killed ones. This is the price of freedom. We're fighting just for our land. And for our freedom. Despite the fact that all large cities of our country are now blocked, nobody is going to enter and intervene with our freedom and country. And believe you me, every square of today, no matter what it's called, it's going to be called as of today, Freedom Square in every city of our country. Nobody is going to break us. We are strong we are Ukrainians.

SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian), Volodomyr ZELENSKY, President of Ukraine, We're fighting for survival. And this is the highest of our motivation. But we are fighting also to be equal members of Europe. I believe that today we are showing everybody that's exactly what we are.

SOUNDBITE (Ukrainian), Volodomyr ZELENSKY, President of Ukraine, Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you indeed are Europeans and then life will win over death and lt will win over darkness. Glory be to Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (null), Ruslan STEFANCUK, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Let's be let's be worthy of those people who are perishing right now for the European Union, for the future of our European house. Let's understand that there can not be peace in Europe without Ukraine there. There could not be integral Europe without Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine. Thank you for your attention.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles MICHEL, President of the Council, It's not only Ukraine that's under attack. International law, rules based international order, democracy, human dignity are also under attack. This geopolitical terrorism, pure and simple,

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles MICHEL, President of the Council, Russia, stop the war, go home. Let's talk.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the Council, President Zelensky looked us in the eyes. He opened up his heart and he has made an announcement, which we've now received officially the request for the European Union to officially recognise Ukraine as a candidate country. It'll be up to us as a European Union to act in accordance with the times. It's going to be difficult.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the Council, We have to stand firm and look at the aggressor, and we have to see President Zwolinski as the incarnation of stability, security, enlightenment and European values. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of European Commission, How we respond today to what Russia is doing will determine the future of the international system. The destiny of Ukraine is at stake, but our own fate also lies in the balance. We must show the power that lies in our democracies.We must show the power of people that choose their independent path freely and democratically .It is our show of force.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of European Commission, If Putin was seeking to divide the European Union, to weaken NATO and to break the international community, he has achieved exactly the opposite. We are more united than ever.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of European Commission, I am sure nobody in this hemicycle can doubt that the people that stands up so bravely for our European values belongs in our European family and therefore honourable members. I say long live Europe and long live a free and independent Ukraine. Mez Valmar, Slava Ukraina, wherewith you glory be to Ukraine.

Standing ovation in the hemicycle, 3 shots