'Be with us': Ukraine President Zelenskyy presses Europe for extra assist | World News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday recalled the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia as he pressed Europe for additional assist in responding to Russia's battle in Ukraine.

"We're with you, be with us," Zelenskyy instructed Czech lawmakers in Prague, quoting an attraction made by a Czechoslovak Radio presenter in 1968 because the occupants tried to chop the radio off.

"Now when the Ukrainian individuals are combating for freedom towards Russia's merciless invasion, we're utilizing these phrases to deal with all nations of Europe and the democratic world," he added.

"Ukraine ought to get every thing mandatory to realize a victory."

The 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by 5 Soviet-led armies crushed the so-called Prague Spring, a democratic motion in the course of the communist spell of 1948-1989.

Czechoslovakia break up into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

Zelensky mentioned he believed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which started on February 24, was solely step one in a Moscow plot to retake its former satellites.

"A tyrant who... needs every thing won't ever cease," mentioned Zelensky.

"Czech individuals are very nicely conscious of what occurs whenever you make compromises with tyrants," he added, additionally recalling the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1938.

Zelensky thanked Prague for welcoming greater than 300,000 Ukrainian refugees and sending over weapons price over 3.5 billion koruna ($148 million).

He urged the Czech Republic to assist speed up the subsequent bundle of sanctions towards Russia because it takes the rotating six-month presidency of the European Union in July.

Prague mentioned it will prioritise Ukraine throughout its EU presidency, vowing to advertise the nation's bid to hitch the bloc and to assist rebuild it after the battle.

"Be lively so that each one European leaders agree that defending and strengthening Europe is our widespread aim," Zelensky mentioned.

"Russian troopers know that they're up towards European values."