Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy has told the European Parliament his country is fighting for its freedom.
He's been speaking at a special debate on the EU's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Yesterday, Ukraine formally signed a request for membership of the EU.
The request has been received by the European Council and is being analysed.
The Taoiseach has previously said he would support fast-tracking, but admitted is unlikely to happen.
Speaking via videolink and through a translator President Zelenskyy said nobody will break the country:
"We are fighting just for our land and for our freedom."
"Despite the fact that all the citizens of our country are now blocked, nobody is going to enter and intervene with our freedom and country."
This is a moment of truth for Europe.
How we respond today to what Russia is doing will determine the future of the international system.
We must show the power that lies in our democracies.
🔴 https://t.co/jd0LtBrjGc pic.twitter.com/SVVDQ3yTH8— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 1, 2022
Refugee Support
Explosions are continuing to hit cities including Kharkiv, in the east of Ukraine.
At least ten people have been killed in a rocket strike in the area.
Around 660,000 people are now believed to have fled Ukraine since the conflict broke out.
The UN's warned the situation could become Europe's biggest refugee crisis this century.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says Ireland could take in around 20-thousand Ukrainian refugees.
He says people may be asked to house them in their own homes:
"This is a war effort so the norms need to be set aside," the Minister said.
#Ukraine pic.twitter.com/83tHAh50NW
— Rory Walsh (@rorywalshfilms) March 1, 2022
Prove It
President Zelenskyy spoke via video link to the Parliament, in what he said was a 'small break' between missile strikes.
He said his people were fighting also to be equal members of Europe.
"I believe today we're showing everybody that's exactly what we are."
"The European Union is going to be much stronger with us, that's for sure."
"Without you Ukraine is going to be lonesome."
"We have proven our strength, we have proven that as a minimum we're exactly the same as you are."
"Do prove you are with us."
"Do prove that you will not let us go."
"Do prove that you indeed are Europeans and then life will win over death."
"Light will win over darkness."
"Glory be to Ukraine."
The best decision the EU can make now is to accept Ukraine as a new full-fledged member of the European Union without delay. Historic times require big and historic decisions which can change the flow of events. This step is exactly such a decision.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 1, 2022
No Doubt
The President of the European Commission says she has no doubt that Ukraine belongs in the EU.
Ursula Von Der Leyen says citizens in Ukraine show they stand for European values
"I am sure nobody here can doubt that the people who stand up so bravely for our European values belongs in our family."
"Therefore, honourable members, long live Europe and long live a free and independent Ukraine."
It’s not only Ukraine that is under attack.
International law & rules-based international order are also under attack.
This is geopolitical terrorism. Pure and simple. Our support for Ukraine is iron-clad.#StandWithUkraine @ZelenskyyUa @Europarl_EN pic.twitter.com/k3x8TABXQf— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) March 1, 2022
President Higgins
The President of Ireland has called on Vladimir Putin to end the violence.
Michael D Higgins says full humanitarian access must be given to citizens of Ukraine who are in need.
"Our television screens carry images of all those mothers and babies crossing borders in order to flee the mayhem which is being inflicted upon them by an invading powerful neighbour operating with total disregard for the principles of international law, and of those brave Ukrainian people struggling to defend their homes and country."
