President Volodymyr Zelensky received a standing ovation in the European Parliament on Tuesday, Feb. 24, as he addressed lawmakers via video link on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Thanking the parliament for its “consistent support and principled position,” Zelensky urged the European Union to move forward without delay on key decisions, including a €90 billion ($106 billion) financial package for Ukraine, German outlet DW reported.
He described the proposed funding as “a real financial security guarantee for Ukraine,” stressing that it is not only about budget support but about ensuring the country can continue resisting Russian aggression and maintain stability.
‘No place for Russian oil’
Zelensky called for stronger pressure on Moscow, saying that “in the free world there must be no place for Russian oil, Russian tankers, or Russian banks.”
He also proposed a full EU entry ban for individuals involved in Russia’s aggression.
Lawmakers interrupted his remarks with applause. A second wave followed when he spoke about Ukraine’s European future.
“For us, it is important to receive a concrete accession date,” Zelensky said, warning that without a clear perspective, Moscow would seek to delay Ukraine’s integration and divide Europe.
In his closing remarks, Zelensky said Europe is “not land for Russian oligarchs’ villas, not a museum for Russian officials’ mistresses, and not a vacation spot for Russian killers.”
“Europe is a union of independent nations and millions of people who do not tolerate humiliation and will not accept violence,” he said.
After concluding with “Slava Ukraini,” the chamber rose in a standing ovation that lasted nearly two minutes.
Parliament adopts tough resolution
On the same day, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for increased pressure on Russia, including the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction and tighter measures against the so-called shadow fleet used to evade sanctions.
Lawmakers also urged a full end to the EU’s energy dependence on Russia, including oil, gas, coal and nuclear fuel, and called for long-term security guarantees for Ukraine comparable in strength to Article 5 of NATO or Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty.
While European Parliament resolutions are not legally binding, the vote demonstrated broad political support for Ukraine inside the EU legislature – even as Hungary continues to block the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the €90 billion loan in the Council of the EU.