The Ukrainian president is urging people around the world to take to the streets in protest today – one month after the Russian invasion began.
In a video message last night, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the protests would show the Kremlin that: “People matter. Freedom matters. Peace matters. Ukraine matters”.
It comes as he prepares to address the NATO and EU summits this afternoon.
It was also confirmed yesterday that he will address the Dáil and Seanad via videolink early next Month.
Speaking last night, he said: “Come from your offices, your homes, your schools and universities.”
“Come in the name of peace,” he said. “Come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom, to support life.
“Come to your squares, your streets. Make yourselves visible and heard. Say that people matter. Freedom matters. Peace matters. Ukraine matters.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has accepted an invitation from the Ceann Comhairle to address both Houses of the Oireachtas on the 6th April at 10am. #seeforyourself #Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇮🇪@ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/KzSBC4MSHe
— Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) March 23, 2022
The US President Joe Biden is travelling to Europe this morning to hold meetings with NATO, the European Council and the G7 about the next steps in response to the invasion.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has travelled to attend the European Council meeting after testing negative for COVID in Washington.
The US has already imposed a ban on the import of Russian oil; however, European countries have been slower to do so due to the surge in energy prices since the war began.
The meetings are expected to result in agreements to send further equipment and supplies to Ukraine to help in its defence.
NATO leaders are also expected to agree to increase the numbers of troops on the bloc’s eastern flank.
The military alliance will also agree to send equipment to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian biological, chemical, and nuclear attacks.
Around 3.6 million Ukrainians have already fled the Russian invasion with around 10 million people displaced within Ukraine.
Around 100,000 are believed to be trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol with no access to food, water or heating.
Russian troops are attempting to resume their attacks on Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv; however, there are some reports that Ukraine may be starting to turn the tide.
