Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address to the French parliament that Ukraine expects leadership from the French state and politicians that will lead Russia to seek peace.
"We are grateful to France for its help. We are grateful for the efforts of President Macron, who has shown real leadership. We are in constant communication with him, coordinating some of our steps. Ukrainians see that France also values freedom, as it always has. And you defend it. You remember what freedom, equality and fraternity are. Each and every one of these words is full of power for you. So we expect from you, from France, from your leadership, that you can make Russia look for peace, to end this war against freedom, against equality, against brotherhood, against everything that made Europe united," Zelensky said.
He also appealed to the French parliament for more aid and support for Ukraine.
"We need more help and support so that freedom will not lose. It needs to be well armed: tanks, anti-tank weapons, aviation, air defense. We need all these things. You can help us. I know you can. So that freedom does not lose. The world must support it with sanctions against the aggressor. Every week, a new sanctions package. French companies must withdraw from the Russian market - Renault, Auchan, Leroy Merlin and others must stop sponsoring the Russian war machine. Human values are worth more than profits on blood", - summed up the head of the state.
In addition, he said, Ukraine proposes to create a new system of guarantees, which would make security in the world unshakeable, and France should play a leading role in it.
According to Zelensky, already now "we must think about the future, how we will live after this war". "We need guarantees that security will be unshaken and that there will be no war. And in general, wars will be impossible," he said.
