Ukrainian MPs applaud Zelensky, appearing in Rada for the first time since Russian invasion

Ukrainian MPs applauded the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky who addressed the country’s state legislature for the first time since Russia invaded the country on February 24.

 

“Over the past 10 weeks I have addressed the parliaments of different countries of the world, but I have not addressed you. It does not mean disrespect, on the contrary – it is great confidence in you. You are here, you know what is happening in our country and you know perfectly well what to do,” Zelensky told lawmakers, noting “you represent the great country.”

 

He stated that the Rada should not waste time on less important legislations.

 

“Wise rationalism and healthy nationalism are important today,” said Zelensky.

 

He stated that the MPs were the “part of a large Ukrainian army” with their front in parliament. 

 

“Today we have one party – Ukraine, we have one faction – Ukraine, one monopoly – Ukraine, united, strong, independent. Today, the absence of an MP in the Supreme Rada can be justified by only two things: their work abroad or in the regions for the interests of our country or the death for Ukraine,” Zelensky stated.

 

He thanked the UK PM Boris Johnson, who also addressed Rada today and reaffirmed his support, and the British people.

 

“First of all, I would like to thank the British leader Boris Johnson and 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 we really get together!” Zelensky stated.

 

He said that on October 8, 2020, Ukraine and the United Kingdom became strategic partners, and on February 24, 2022, Kyiv and London proved that the partnership was not just on paper.

 

“Our partnership is on the battlefield. The fight goes for common ideals, the fight goes for a common future,” Zelensky said.

 

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Hostilities have been in progress since then.