President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has delivered a passionate speech in the European parliament, affirming a commitment to stand with Ukraine against Russia’s “cruel aggression”.
Von der Leyen also announced the European Union would deliver military equipment to Ukraine and provide aid for the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
“Men, women, children are dying once again because a foreign leader, President Putin, decided that Ukraine has no right to exist. We will never, ever let that happen, and never, ever accept that,” she said.
“If Putin was seeking to divide the European Union, to weaken NATO and to break the international community, he has achieved exactly the opposite.
“We are more united than ever and we will stand up in this war. That is clear, that we will overcome and we will prevail. We are united and we stay united.”
She went on to call the war a “defining moment” for Europe, elaborating that the bloc will defend its liberty and freedom.
“We have endured two years of pandemic and we all wished that we could focus on our economic and social recovery but I believe the people of Europe understand very well that we must stand up against this cruel aggression.
“Yes, protecting our liberty comes at a price, but this is a defining moment and this is the cost we are willing to pay because freedom is priceless. This is our principle. Freedom is priceless.”
Von der Leyen then outlined the European Union’s €1bn response to the crisis, committing €500m to the delivery of military equipment to Ukraine, and €500m to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
“Our union, for the first time ever, is using the European budget to purchase and deliver military equipment to a country that is under attack,” she said.
“€500m for the European peace facility to support Ukraine’s defence. We will now also match this by at least €500m from the EU budget to deal with the humanitarian consequences of this tragic war both in the country and for the refugees.
“Long live Europe and long live a free and independent Ukraine.”
Listen to Ursula von der Leyen’s speech below.