The Polish president, the first leader to address the Ukrainian parliament

2022-05-22 14:48:39Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The Polish president, the first leader to address the Ukrainian parliament
Andrzej Duda and Volodymyr Zelensky

Only Ukraine has the right to decide on its future, Polish President Andrzej Duda told the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev today, as he became the first foreign leader to deliver a physical speech to the Ukrainian parliament since the Russian occupation on February 24.

Kiev has ruled out a peace deal involving the withdrawal of territories and has rejected calls for a ceasefire agreement that would allow Russian forces to stay in Moscow-occupied territories on the grounds that it would simply give it time to reorganize its forces. her.

"There are alarming voices saying that Ukraine must give in to Putin's demands. "Only Ukraine has the right to decide on its future, nothing for you without your voice," said the Polish president.

The international community should demand the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, he said.

"If Ukraine is sacrificed for economic reasons or for political ambitions, even an inch of its territory will be a major blow, not only to the Ukrainian nation, but to the entire Western world," he said.

Duda is campaigning for Ukraine to be granted candidate status as soon as possible.

"I will not rest until Ukraine becomes an EU member," Duda said.

The Polish president visited Kiev after the outbreak of war in April where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Upon his return, Duda accused Russia of launching a "total war" in Ukraine. He visited the country in April with the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

 


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