Selerenskyi: "The era of concessions has ended"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the German parliament for the second time since Russia invaded his country years ago. Unlike his previous speech, which was delivered via video, Zelensky is present this time.
Grateful for Germany's support, Zelensky claims his country is fighting the war for the sake of all Europe. He urges Russia to take responsibility for its actions, calling for an end to compromise. "Russia must pay for the damage they've caused," he emphasizes.
Zelensky wants to ensure that Putin loses the war. The conflict is a "crime against life," he believes, and depression is determined to "stop passing this war down to our children." He encourages Germany and Western allies to continue aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia and contribute to the reconstruction process.
Zelensky insists that Europe should be a haven of peace, noting that a divided Europe and Germany were never peaceful. Germany can understand, he says, why Ukraine seeks to prevent Russia from dividing their nation.
Zelensky demands that Russia be held responsible for its aggressive actions, leading to the deaths of many and the destruction of infrastructure. Putin has chosen murder over negotiations, according to Zelensky, and the objective should be for him to lose the war.
Prior to Zelensky's speech, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas pledges solidarity with Ukraine. She expresses confidence that Russian war crimes will be prosecuted, stating that Ukraine's future lies in the EU and NATO.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) parliamentary group advised their representatives to avoid Zelensky's address, but the final decision on attendance rested with each individual. AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla labeled Zelensky a "war and beggar president," arguing that Ukraine needs a "negotiating peace president."
Over 2,000 politicians, businesspeople, and international organization representatives are anticipated at the reconstruction conference. This event is not a donor conference, where funds are collected for rebuilding, but rather a networking platform for connecting those involved.
Zelensky delivered a speech to the German parliament on March 17, 2022, three weeks into the Russian attack on Ukraine. He begged for more support from Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and pleaded for Germany to lead the response to the conflict. At the time, Germany emerged as Ukraine's second-biggest backer after the US, providing both military and financial aid. Chancellor Scholz, however, remains cautious about sending long-range missiles or NATO troops to Ukraine. Instead, Macron has announced the deployment of military trainers to the conflict zone.
