Opening the Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola marked 500 days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine by reiterating the European Parliament's support to Ukraine.
Colleagues,
This weekend marked 500 days since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
500 days of Ukraine beating the odds. 500 days of Ukrainians inspiring the world. 500 days of Europe and the democratic world united like at few other times in history.
I want to say how proud I am that our European Parliament has stood with Ukraine and its people from day one. That this house has led calls for Ukraine to be granted EU candidate status. That our Parliament has pushed forward the political momentum for humanitarian, military and financial support. That when Ukraine needed us to help procure generators - our pan European Generators of Hope campaign provided heating and light. That when it came to legislation, the deals we have reached with Council on the joint procurement in defence and the Act in Support of Ammunition Production will make a real difference - and here let me thank all those involved in these critical files.
So let me say again: This parliament - our European Union - will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the courageous people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.
For Ukraine. For Europe. For democracy. For liberty to prevail.
You can read the President's speech in Ukrainian here.