The Charlemagne Award for contributions to European unity was received on Sunday afternoon in Aachen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of his first official visit to Germany since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“Ukrainians will always make Europe stronger,” said a visibly flustered Ukrainian leader.

“We must win so that our views on life remain in Europe,” he stressed, praising the support of Berlin and Europe as a whole in the struggle that his people are giving against Russia, which “has embarked on the path of evil,” as he said.

“The aggressive war of Russia has brought Ukraine and the European family closer than ever,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said a little earlier, stressing that Ukraine is a member of this family.

“If Vladimir Putin thought that with his missiles and his army he would remove Ukraine from Europe, then he achieved the exact opposite,” the German leader added.

The ceremony was also attended by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metzola and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

“I cannot imagine a more suitable recipient of this award than President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine, who are also fighting for us,” the head of the commission said. “We cannot reach them with courage, but we will always be there for them,” he said.

Later Sunday, Mr. Zelenskiy will fly to Paris for his second visit to France this year. He will meet with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

Source: DW, Reuters.