BRUSSELS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to appear in person Thursday to lobby the European Parliament in Brussels for more weapons in his country’s fight against Russia.
If security concerns permit, Zelenskyy will address a summit of the 27-nation bloc in his push to secure tanks, jets and missiles.
The Ukrainian leader is on a three-nation tour seeking support from allies in Europe as the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion nears.
Ukrainian officials have said they expect Russia to time a new offensive in the east around the February 24 anniversary.
Zelenskyy flew to London on Wednesday to thank the British people for their support in fending off Russia’s nearly yearlong invasion of his country and predicted that Ukraine would win the war.
“We know freedom will win, we know Russia will lose,” Zelenskyy told the British Parliament.
“We know the victory will change the world, and this will be the change that the world has long needed. The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most important victory of our lifetime.”
Zelenskyy also met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace in what was Zelenskyy’s second trip abroad since the Russian invasion began.
In December, the Ukrainian leader went to Washington to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress.
Later Wednesday, Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris.
“I have come here and stand before you on behalf of the brave, on behalf of our warriors, who are now in the trenches under enemy artillery fire,” Zelenskyy told Parliament, paying tribute to Ukraine’s military. “I thank you for your bravery. … London has stood with Kyiv since day one.”
(VOA)
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