“Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses Council of Europe Summit on Russian Aggression”

Photo: BGNES/EPA

Following the resumption of heavy rocket fire on Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked his supporters and emphasized the strength of European cohesion in an address before the Council of Europe meeting in Reykjavik, DPA reported.

“Russia is trying very hard to improve its ability to kill. We are trying very hard to improve the protection of our people,” he told the Council of Europe meeting of leaders gathered for the summit in Reykjavik, speaking by video link.

“And I thank all the countries and leaders who are helping us fully improve our air defenses. We are showing what our 100% means and what the power of the free world means,” he said

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for the creation of an international registry of war damage in Ukraine. The registry is a prerequisite for working with common data, Scholz said, noting that it can provide a basis for conversations at the international level.

“In this regard, it is of utmost importance for the future of Ukraine,” Scholz said.

French President Emmanuel Macron supported the idea of ​​a war damage registry in Ukraine. “I call on all countries to join it and contribute actively to its development,” he said.

The international community must continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine, “a member of our European democratic family (…) for as long as necessary,” Macron said.

He also called for the creation of mental health centers in Ukraine with the help of the Council of Europe Development Bank “to help all those who suffer daily from the severe trauma caused by this brutal conflict, and as they themselves have requested Ukrainians”.

Macron said the Council of Europe is facing the dangers of the century.

“Nothing should diminish our clear optimism or our determination,” Macron said.

Scholz also called for maintaining contacts with Russia despite Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government in his speech at the start of the Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik.

Russia’s war in Ukraine will end at some point, Scholz said. “And one thing is certain. It will not end with the victory of Putin-style imperialism,” he added. Ukraine will receive support until a just peace is achieved, Scholz said.

“Until then, we must maintain the bridges to the representatives of another Russia, another Belarus – and thus keep open the prospect of a democratic, peaceful future in both countries – however unlikely this may seem to us today,” Scholz said./BTA