Zelensky is due to speak in parliament at 10:00. The exact times are not disclosed for security reasons. In his speech, Zelenskyj will thank the EU countries for the support provided, in addition to the repeated request for more aid, both humanitarian and military.
Live Blog | Brussels prepares for Zelensky’s arrival
“Zelenski appears to be an extremely skilled politician,” says De Vries. Since the beginning of the war, the president has made only a few visits, first to the United States and yesterday to the United Kingdom and France. The fact that Zelenskyj goes first to London instead of Brussels is a small insult to Europe, thinks De Vries. ‘But on the other hand, he’s also very smart about Zelensky. The British are going a little further in supporting Ukraine and the EU cannot be left behind”.
Chess game
In this regard, the president plays “a perfect game of chess on the international scene,” says De Vries. Her visits to London, Paris and Brussels speak volumes about the changes in internal relations since the beginning of the war. “The lines are really shifting.”
For example, French President Macron has wanted to keep in touch with Russia for a long time, in part because of the long historical ties between France and Russia. “It’s also not difficult to find people in France who understand Russia and Putin.” But the attitude of Germany and France has changed markedly, says De Vries. ‘Just look at the tank delivery, which was unthinkable six months ago. The same goes for Ukraine’s EU membership. “It will take a long time, but the country has accelerated the process of becoming a candidate member state.”
According to De Vries, Macron knows the future of the European Union is at stake if Ukraine does not win this war. “The front in Ukraine is also the front of Europe”. In this respect, this week’s visits to London, Paris and Brussels are already a “successful glamor offensive”.
Zelensky’s speech live on BNR
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky addresses an extraordinary session of the European Parliament today. It is scheduled from 10:00 to 11:00. This conversation will be broadcast live on BNR. Due to his safety, Zelensky’s agenda was not disclosed and the summit schedule was also kept flexible.
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