The President of Ukraine seeks EU membership

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country is facing an unprovoked invasion by neighboring Russia, called on the European Union to offer Ukraine immediate membership, with a special procedure.

“Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal. I’m sure it’s right. I’m sure we deserve it,” Zelensky said in a video speech shared on social media.

“Europeans are witnessing how our soldiers are fighting not only for our country, but for all of Europe, for peace, for peace for all, for all the countries of the European Union,” he said.

“The Ukrainians have shown the world who we are, while Russia has shown what it has become. Every crime, every shelling by the occupier only unites us more,” Zelensky added.

He also called on Russian occupying forces to surrender their weapons.

“Abandon your equipment! Get out of here! Do not trust your commanders! Do not trust your propagandists! Just save your life”, said Zelensky.

Russian forces launched attacks in Ukraine on February 24, on the orders of their president, Vladimir Putin.

He said he had authorized “a special military operation” to eliminate what he said was a serious threat from Ukraine.

The purpose of the operation, Putin said, is to demilitarize Russia’s southern neighbor.

He had previously declared two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine independent.

In 2014, Russia also annexed the Ukrainian Peninsula of Crimea and fueled the separatist movement in eastern Ukraine.

The West has strongly condemned Russia’s actions, calling them a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.