Berlin, Oct 20/ (dpa/GNA) – Kiev Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, on Monday made an urgent appeal for European solidarity with Ukraine, in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
“We never want war in Europe again. Peace needs our shared responsibility. Freedom needs people who stand up for one another,” Klitschko, 55, said in a video message at an awards ceremony in Berlin.
Klitschko said he had originally planned to travel to Berlin to receive the European Future Award in person, but the situation in Kiev had deteriorated so dramatically that he had to remain in the city.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than four and a half years, with Western support.
The former world champion boxer said he was witnessing day and night, how severe Russian attacks had become, with bridges, power plants, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and residential buildings coming under fire.
Klitschko accused Russian President Vladimir Putin, of seeking to bomb Ukraine into submission, and force people to flee their cities. Putin wanted to create “millions of refugees in Europe” in the hope that Europe would abandon Ukraine and force it to capitulate, he said. “But that will never happen.”
Klitschko questioned why Ukraine’s dream of a European future had to come at such a high price, adding that the hope of a shared future in Europe gave many Ukrainians the strength to persevere.
His video message was met with loud applause and a standing ovation. The European Future Award, held under the patronage of German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, recognizes people who champion freedom, human rights, solidarity and diversity while strengthening European unity.
The jury said Klitschko’s efforts went beyond defending his city and country, describing his work as a defence of people’s right to live freely and determine their own future.
GNA