Zelenskyy Champions European Unity

In a significant address in Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy articulated the strategic importance of Ukraine’s alignment with the European Union over Russia, during a comprehensive dialogue with students from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) and other French universities. The event, which took place on March 13, 2026, saw the participation of over 500 attendees in person and more than 5,000 online, underscoring the global interest in Ukraine’s geopolitical stance amidst ongoing conflicts.

President Zelenskyy expressed profound gratitude towards France, especially to President Emmanuel Macron and the French populace, for their unwavering support since the onset of Russian aggression. Highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit, Zelenskyy remarked, “The war is not over, but we have endured and preserved our independence. This endurance is a victory for the world, serving as a stark example for democracies and free nations worldwide.”

The discussions also delved into the heart-wrenching issue of Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces. Zelenskyy outlined the complexities involved in their repatriation, emphasizing the difficulties in negotiating their return compared to prisoners of war. Furthermore, the dialogue touched upon the broader impacts of the conflict, including the challenges posed by the shifting global focus towards the Middle East and its implications on the availability of critical defense resources like Patriot missiles.

Amidst the backdrop of war, President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to European integration, viewing it as a pivotal geopolitical choice that transcends mere membership. “For Ukraine, the European Union symbolizes our choice to align with Europe, not Russia, even during these turbulent times,” he stated, underscoring the strategic and symbolic significance of EU integration for Ukraine.