Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the European Union to grant his country “immediate” membership, as Russia’s assault on the pro-Western country entered its fifth day.
“We call on the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine through a new special procedure,” the 44-year-old leader said in a new video.
“Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.
He said 16 children had been killed during the first four days of the Moscow attack and another 45 wounded as he hailed “Ukrainian heroes”.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Monday that at least 102 civilians, including seven children, had been killed, but warned the true numbers were likely much higher.
“Ukrainians have shown the world who we are. And Russia has shown what it has become,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader, a former comedian who came to power in 2019, released his latest video statement as Russian and Ukrainian negotiators prepared for their first face-to-face talks since Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the troop invasion on Thursday. past.
Zelensky urged the Russian soldiers to lay down their arms.
“Leave your team. Get out of here. Do not believe your commanders. Don’t believe your propagandists. Just save your lives,” Zelensky said.
He claimed that more than 4,500 Russian soldiers had already lost their lives during the assault on the Kremlin. Russia has admitted deaths and casualties but has not given any casualty numbers.
The Ukrainian leader also said authorities would release convicts with combat experience so they could help defend the country.
“We have made a decision that is not easy from a moral point of view, but is useful from the point of view of our defenses,” he said.
Once again he thanked the West for its support. “The support for our anti-war coalition is unconditional and unprecedented,” she said.
“Each of us is a warrior,” he said. “And I’m sure each of us will win.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shocked the whole world.
Ukrainian forces, backed by Western weapons, have managed to stop the advance of the Russian army.
Source Credit: TheGuardian
