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FULL TEXT of Zelenskyy's HEROIC speech to EU that brought members to their feet with emotion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised a one-fisted salute and declared 'Glory to Ukraine!' as the EU extended a minute-long round of applause for him

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was lauded on social media after he made an emotional appeal on Tuesday, March 1, for his country to be admitted to the EU as it faces a bloody onslaught by Russian troops.

Zelenskyy raised a one-fisted salute and declared "Glory to Ukraine!" as the European Parliament extended a minute-long round of applause for him. The embattled leader has become a symbol of courage and defiance as Ukraine faces a 40-mile convoy of Russian tanks and artillery that is determined to surround and bomb the capital city of Kyiv into submission. 

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In a move that could potentially infuriate Russian President Vladimir Putin even further, Zelenskyy urged the EU to recognize Ukraine as a member, saying his nation had "proved that we are equals" and that it was time to "prove that you are on our side" as he claimed Belarusian troops had also mobilized against his people.

“I don’t read from paper, the paper phase is over, we’re dealing with lives. Without you, Ukraine will be alone. We’ve proven our strength; we’re the same as you. Prove that you’ll not let us go. Then life will win over death," Zelensky told representatives of the 27 European Union member states via video link. "I can no longer say hello or good evening because every day is the last day," he explained. "Lives are being sacrificed for values, for rights, for freedom, to have the same equality that you enjoy. We will win, I'm sure. I would like to hear you say that Ukraine's choice to be part of Europe is also your choice. We want to be members of the EU. Without you, Ukraine will be alone."

"This is the price of freedom. We are fighting just for our land. And for our freedom, despite the fact that all of the cities of our country are now blocked," Zelensky said. He also spoke of the children who died as a result of the Russian onslaught, which made his translator visibly emotional. "We are fighting for our rights, for our freedom, for our lives, and now we are fighting for our survival," he continued. "Every square today, no matter what it's called, is going to be called Freedom Square, in every city of our country. No one is going to break us. We are strong. We are Ukrainians," Zelensky concluded as he raised a fist in the air and exited the camera's view.

Social media was inundated with praises for the brave Ukrainian leader following his heart-rending speech.

"Did everyone hear Zelenskyy’s speech to the EU? The translator was crying. They gave him a rousing standing ovation. It was incredibly powerful," one user said.

Another user said, "Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pleading for his country with dignity. His speech this morning was gripping, heartbreaking, powerful. Life will win over Death, and Light will win over Darkness. Glory be to Ukraine."

"I am weeping 💔🇺🇦 #EU #WeAreUkraine #SlavaUkraine," another user expressed. 

"Zelenskyy's speech to the European Parliament was gut-wrenchingly emotional. Standing ovation. Ukraine 🇺🇦 has earned the right to be a part of the European Union," another user said.