Europe needs unity and strength to make Russia pay full price for war in Ukraine - Zelensky

• Published date: 26 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

RIGA, May 26 (LETA) - Europe needs unity and strength to make Russia pay a full price for the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address to the Saeima today.

Zelensky started his address to Latvian lawmakers by thanking Latvia and its people for helping Ukraine. The Ukrainian president said that Latvians have recognized Ukraine's fight for freedom as their personal fight because the fate of all Europeans are being decided in Ukraine.

In Zelensky's words, Russia has started an armed offensive against Ukraine, threatening at the same also the freedom of neighbor countries. The battles in Ukrainian territory will decide what powers will be dominating Europe in the decades to come. The question is whether it will be justice that wins in this war or many nations will again see occupation, reprisals and deportations brought onto them by Russia.

"I am glad that Latvia has chosen to take the side of justice. On February 23 Ukraine received from you Stinger air defense systems. Already during the first days of the war they helped us to resist Russian aggression. The missile system saved our people's lives," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that at a time when many other countries were looking for pretexts to not help Ukraine, Latvia was among those countries that took action. Latvia has helped Ukraine both militarily and with human relief, thus demonstrating its stance and attitude. Also, Latvia has taken in Ukrainian war refugees, Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine will always remember Latvia's assistance.

The Ukrainian president asked rhetorically why is it that the countries helping Ukraine the most are not among the richest ones, but have nevertheless shown their courage. Meanwhile, more affluent countries preferred to stand aside and not help. Such countries, Zelensky said, are...