Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for solidarity in a message sent to thousands of people gathered in cities across Europe on Friday.
Driving the news: In a speech a little over a week after Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky said that if Ukraine fell, “Europe will not stand.”
- “If we fall, you will fall, so please do not be silent, do not close your eyes to this,” he added.
What are they saying“If we win and I am sure we will win, it will be a victory for the whole democratic world,” Zelenski said.
- “This will be the victory of our freedom. This will be the victory of light over darkness, of freedom over slavery.”
- Zelenski also paid tribute to the victims with a minute of silence.
- “Those who are doing heroic deeds in different areas, defending their country and giving their lives for it,” he said.
- “They defend your Europe and congratulate each other, wish each other health … this is our heart, this is the heart of Ukraine, together against evil,” Zelensky added.
Details: The speech was broadcast via Zoom to cities across Europe, including Bratislava, Frankfurt, Prague, Lyon, Tbilisi, Vienna and Vilnius, according to CNN.
- A pro-Ukrainian rally was also held in Tbilisi, Georgia. The crowd carrying Ukrainian flags applauded when Zelensky raised his fist in the air in greeting at the end.
Demonstrators watch a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a big screen during a rally in support of Ukraine in Tbilisi. Photo: Vano Shlamov / AFP via Getty Images.
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