From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 25, 2022
Zelensky asks EU leaders for quick membership
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks EU leaders for working together to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia, including Germany’s decision to block Russia from delivering natural gas to Europe through the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
But he laments that these steps weren’t taken earlier, saying there was a chance Russia would have thought twice about invading.
He then appeals to the EU leaders, who had gathered in Brussels, to move quickly on Ukraine’s application to join the bloc. “Here I ask you, do not delay. Please,” Zelensky says by video from Kyiv. “For us, this is a chance.”
He then lists the 27 member countries, noting those he said were “for us.” He appeals to Germany and particularly to Hungary not to block Ukraine’s bid.
“Listen, Viktor, do you know what is happening in Mariupol?” Zelensky said, addressing Hungarian President Viktor Orban. “I want to be open once and for all — you should decide for yourself, who you are for.”
Orban is widely considered to be Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally among EU leaders.
Zelensky says Ukraine is certain that “in the decisive moment, Germany also will be with us.”
The Times of Israel Community.