British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also addressed the Ukrainian parliament today.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Verkhovna Rada on the 69th day of the war with Russia . ZN.UA publishes the full text of the speech of the President of Ukraine.
« Dear Mr. Prime Minister! Dear Mr. Chairman! Dear People's Deputies of Ukraine! Ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, I would like to thank the leader of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, and all the people of the United Kingdom. For the words we hear. For the actions we see. For the support we feel. For the help we actually receive. For the victory that we will definitely win together!
On October 8, 2020, our countries became strategic partners. And on February 24, 2022, they proved that our partnership is not on paper. Our partnership is on the battlefield. Battles for common ideals, battles for a common future.
It has been almost ten weeks since the Russian Federation declared full-scale war on them and invaded our beautiful Ukrainian land. During this time, Ukraine and Britain have gone from partners to friends and brothers. And the one who lied that he is a friend and a brother is the path from a neighbor to an occupier and a terrorist. Is it sad? So. Is it scary? No. Because these almost ten weeks have proved: it is not terrible when such an evil enemy is against you, if such a good friend is next to you. Such as Great Britain. And leader Boris Johnson.
And these words are not flattery, they are not kindness, they are reality. We are together. We are in touch every day. Daily. If we don't have a conversation today, it means only one thing: we are busy with what we agreed on yesterday. And so almost all these weeks, all this difficult time. For one goal, for one moment – the first second of victory. And for the sake of one epoch – the epoch where peace reigns. In Ukraine, and therefore in Europe, and therefore in the world.
I want to thank the United Kingdom, which is with us this moment is approaching and which is ready to become a guarantor of our security. And this gratitude of mine is not a formality. Because I know that the guarantees of Great Britain will never be a formality for Ukraine. Because these almost ten weeks have proved that your word is firm and your actions are decisive. Without any “almost”. I hate that word – “almost”.
As well as our interaction and support for British allies. First of all, it is a weapon and equipment for our military, which protects the whole world from the Russian occupiers, both Ukraine and Europe. I will not voice all the details to the general public – let it be an unpleasant surprise for the aggressor every day.
Instead, I can speak openly about all other forms of support. This is humanity. And help our refugees and internally displaced persons. Medicines, food, ambulances and fire engines and other large humanitarian aid. This is justice. And assistance in the investigation of war crimes of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. This is resilience. Macro-financial assistance for our economy. This is the abolition of customs duties, the abolition of quotas for our bilateral trade. This is the reconstruction of our country, this is the reconstruction of Kyiv and Kyiv region, to which the United Kingdom will join.
These are important global things. Sanctions against the Russian Federation, energy embargo, asset blockade. These are ordinary, very simple human, but no less important, symbolic things. Blue and yellow flags across the UK, in Trafalgar Square and Downing Street. When we are supported by London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, we are supported by Liverpool, Manchester and hundreds of other cities in this great country.
When Ukraine supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Sir Paul McCartney, Elton John and Sting. Richard Branson, Joan Rowling, the Beckhams, Benedict Cumberbatch, musicians Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Ed Sheeran, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Keith Harrington, Emilia Clarke, Daniel Radcliffe and, of course, Her Majesty the Queen.
Also important is the return of Melinda Simmons and the recent visit of Prime Minister Johnson. At a very difficult time and at a very necessary moment. Our walk through the streets of Kyiv showed the world that it feels the heart of Ukraine. And it's a pain. But the people we met there, their words, their eyes, smiles and gifts – already famous roosters, the same as in Borodyanka – all this showed the world how our Ukrainian soul feels. Indomitability. Unbreakability. So, hope for victory. Today, I, our parliament and the entire Ukrainian people can say one thing: thank you, Britain! Thank you, friends!
Dear People's Deputies of Ukraine!
Agree, please: when such unity reigns in this hall, it is priceless! For almost ten weeks, I have addressed the House of Commons, the US Congress, the European Parliament, the Bundestag, the Knesset, the Seimas, and many other parliamentarians and parliaments. But I did not address you. And this is not contempt, but on the contrary – it is a great trust in you. You are here. And you know perfectly well what is happening in our country, what is happening in our country. We are all citizens of this great state, and you know exactly what to do. I believe that this has not changed in almost ten weeks. I will be happy if the following becomes obvious and indisputable for you.
You are the people's deputies of the greatest state in the modern world! I'm sure of it! You are the People's Deputies of Ukraine. Keywords – “people” and “Ukraine”. I think we will forget the little things, politics, until peacetime, although it is better to forget forever. The agenda of the Verkhovna Rada is obvious. The key word is “order”. Because there is no time for spam, quarrels and PR – everyone already knows you. I think wise rationalism and healthy nationalism are important. All this is very important for us today.
You are part of a large Ukrainian army. Your front is a legislative field on which you must work for our people, for each of us, for our state, for our victory. Like our army, like the whole country. Work 24/7. No days off, no extra emotions, slogans, etc. Today we have one party with you, and this party is Ukraine. One faction is Ukraine. We have one majority – Ukraine. One, strong, independent. And everything that does not help her or, God forbid, is worse – harms, weakens or splits, must be – no! – not in the minority. This should be a thing of the past.
Just like someone's hopes of sitting somewhere. Currently, the absence of a deputy is justified by only two things: his work abroad or in the regions for the interests of our state or his death for the interests of the state. The rest is of no interest to Ukraine today. She doesn't need anything else, she won't have anything else! The rest follows the Russian warship!
Please do not waste time on unnecessary laws. There are important priorities for the state. I know that you are professional people, you will do it. The state is waiting. Please do not waste your time, my time, and the people of Ukraine on minor initiatives and unimportant things. It seems to me that laws should be as timely as a lease. Accurate, like our “Stugna” and “Bayraktar”. And bring benefits like “Neptune”. And glory as our army. And to be such that will go down in history as the people of Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine! “.
Read also : Russia and Ukraine do not discuss lifting sanctions – Zelensky
Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also addressed the Verkhovna Rada online. In particular, he announced a new military aid package of 300 million pounds . After the speech, Johnson said that “ This is the heyday of Ukraine , an epic chapter in your national history. Your children and grandchildren will say that Ukrainians have taught the world that the brute force of the aggressor has nothing against the moral strength of the people who are determined to be free. ”
See the special topic: Employees of the Russian military-industrial complex complain about low salaries and mass layoffs – GUR Ministry of Defense The process of reducing the staffing of military units and institutions civilian personnel is sustainable in Russia. The occupiers killed two civilian women on Azovstal Now they are dismantling the blockages under which people may be. We have a new support package for Ukraine for 300 million pounds – Johnson What will be included? Russian occupiers began storming Azovstal in Mariupol Before the assault, enemy aircraft bombed the plant for several hours. Johnson after addressing the Rada: “Ukraine's heyday has come” He noted that Ukrainians have “taught the world that the aggressor's brute force has nothing against moral force people “.
