In a speech to the German parliament in Berlin on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on his country’s supporters to work together to successfully end Russia’s war against his country.
Russia must not continue its march through Europe, Zelensky said in an emotional speech to German parliamentarians on Tuesday. He said Putin has become accustomed to subjugating others, but he needs to get rid of that habit.
“It is in our common interest that Putin personally loses this war,” Zelensky said.
The war must be ended in such a way that there is no doubt who won, said Zelensky, whose speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause. In front of the lectern were three large flower arrangements in the Ukrainian colors of blue and yellow.
At the end he was greeted with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
Russia must take full responsibility for unleashing the war and be forced to “pay for all the damage caused by this aggression,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president was greeted with prolonged applause from members of the German parliament, the Bundestag. He entered the packed plenary hall together with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from his coalition government also attended the speech.
The Ukrainian president thanked Germany for its support to his country, and in particular recognized Germany’s supply of Patriot air defense systems, which he said had saved “thousands” of lives.
