Zelenskyy in EU Parliament: We must make 2025 year of peace

The European Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session on 19 November to mark 1,000 days since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the session.

During the session’s opening, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola assured that MEPs would support Ukraine "until it achieves freedom and real peace, for as long as it takes".

"Any real peace must be built on the principle of ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’,​​" Metsola also stressed.

In his address, Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its unwavering support, urged continued unity in recognising that Europe’s collective strength surpasses Putin, and highlighted the West's ability to push Russia toward a just peace.

The president specifically called for stricter sanctions, especially targeting Russia’s so-called "shadow tankers" transporting crude oil and petroleum products. 

"No one can enjoy calm water amid the storm. We must do everything we can to end this war fairly and justly. 1,000 days of war is a tremendous challenge. We must make the next year the year of peace," Zelenskyy said.

Most political group leaders in the European Parliament reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine, urging the EU leadership to provide the necessary weapons for victory, including air defence systems, long-range missiles, tanks and drones.

At the session’s conclusion, Metsola announced that the Ukrainian flag would be flown alongside the EU flag at European Parliament buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg.

Throughout Tuesday, Western leaders, government officials, and ambassadors issued statements of solidarity with Ukraine on the 1,000th day since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to maintain their support for Ukraine in their respective statements marking this milestone.