Growing divides in Europe: Zelenskyy's urgent warning

On the thousandth day of Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression, the remotely speaking president of Ukraine addressed a special session of the European Parliament, emphasizing that Putin will only cease his efforts when the war is no longer profitable for him.

Zelenskyy stated, "Putin does not value people or rules. He only values money and power. These are the things we must take away from him to restore peace." He called for continued efforts to limit Russia's ability to finance the war through oil revenues.

"Every blow and every threat from Russia must be met with firm sanctions. For a thousand days, it has been crucial to radically reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war through oil sales. Oil is the lifeblood of Putin’s regime. And the shadow fleet of tankers is what keeps it alive," noted Zelenskyy.

This proposal likely received applause in the European Parliament. Just days ago, MEPs voted on a resolution urging the EU to step up monitoring and inspections, imposing restrictions on certain units of the "shadow fleet" and the ecosystem supporting them—insurance companies, operators, owners, and financial institutions that enable them to profit from Russian goods.

The Ukrainian president used a maritime metaphor: "No one can enjoy calm waters amid a storm," he said, alluding to those who think "they can sell Moscow Ukraine – or any other country, like the Baltic states, the Balkans, Georgia, or Moldova – and gain something in return." He contrasted this with a robust "United States of Europe," which he believes is more potent than Putin, even with Kim Jong Un’s assistance.

Zelenskyy called, "I urge you not to forget what Europe is capable of achieving. If we can protect Europe's way of life, we can surely push Russia toward a just peace. Peace is what we desire most," thanking the European Parliament and EU leaders for ensuring that "not a single-one of the thousand days of this terrible war became a day of betrayal of our shared European values." He reminded the assembly that Ukraine proposed a peace formula two years ago, which the European Parliament endorsed, with Russia as its sole opponent.

Zelenskyy received two standing ovations in the European Parliament—once upon arrival and again following his speech. EU authorities and MEPs expressed solidarity with Ukraine. Since yesterday, EU buildings have been adorned with Ukraine's blue and yellow colours, alongside the EU flag of gold stars on a blue background. In the European Parliament, various factions announced further support for Ukraine, though a division was evident between the centre and left versus the far right.

Manfred Weber, representing the European People's Party, stated that "Ukraine will be a member of the European Union soon" and should also join NATO, as its army is currently the strongest in Europe, while Russia remains imperialistic.

The EPP leader stressed that Europe must follow Joe Biden’s lead, who permitted Kyiv to target locations deep within Russia with American weaponry. "It is up to the Europeans to do now the same," said Weber. He also criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (the CDU party in Germany, which belongs to the EPP, is in opposition to his government):

"Chancellor Scholz said that he would take all the steps necessary together with our American friends. That's why, please, give now Ukraine the necessary Taurus missiles they need," Weber appealed. Scholz has consistently declined to supply Ukraine with these German weapons.

Iratxe García, leader of the Socialists and Democrats, the second-largest faction in the European Parliament, also declared "full support" for Ukraine. "Let's dispel the pessimistic notion that Ukraine cannot triumph in this war. Russia has suffered losses in numerous wars throughout its history," the left-wing politician observed, stating that victory requires "not just words, but also ammunition, tanks, troops, and air defence."

Valérie Hayer, representing the liberal faction, remarked that some MEPs claim to be pacifists but are effectively allies of Vladimir Putin, believing peace is "the prerogative of the powerful." She called for support for Ukraine with arms and financial aid, including billions from frozen Russian assets, and justified attacks on Russian targets.

Terry Reintke, co-leader of the Green faction, commented that Vladimir Putin seeks a return to an era dominated by empires and aims to restore the Russian empire. She noted that the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House serves as "another wake-up call" for the EU, which must be ready to defend itself and regain energy independence from authoritarian regimes and their dictators.

Nicola Procaccini, representing the European Conservatives and Reformists, asserted that Ukrainians demonstrate that the concept of homeland remains relevant to citizens globally. "Those watching this war in China, in Africa and the Middle East, in Latin America are waiting to know whether the entire West still believes in its founding values. Among them, the value of peace," he noted, invoking Winston Churchill’s words that accepting poor peace terms is akin to feeding a crocodile in hopes it will bite last.

The Identity and Democracy group of the far-right was notably quiet, with many seats in the plenary hall empty. However, Kinga Gál from the Patriots for Europe condemned Russian aggression and highlighted Hungary's assistance to Ukrainian refugees but noted that the longer the war continues, the more challenging it becomes for Ukraine to maintain enough troops. The MEP from Hungary's Fidesz observed that "more and more Hungarians from Transcarpathia, including Ukrainian Hungarians, are dying on the front lines."

"The war is occurring in our vicinity, so escalating the conflict would have dire repercussions for us. Thus, we do not partake in arms supplies to Ukraine and oppose measures leading to escalation," stated Gál. She contended that the current EU strategy has failed, and a ceasefire and peace talks must be prioritized. She hoped that "with Donald Trump's victory, there's a greater chance for this than ever before."