Sakharov Prize awarded to Ukrainian people by European parliament

The European parliament’s 2022 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought has been awarded to the people of Ukraine.

Roberta Metsola, president of the European parliament, said in a speech at the award ceremony: “Today, we are awarding the European parliament’s most prestigious prize for freedom and human rights to the brave people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders and civil society.

“The Ukrainian people are not just fighting a war of independence, but fighting a war of values.”

Metsola went on: “Let today’s award serve as a reminder of our unwavering support. And let it be dedicated to all those brave Ukrainian women and men on the ground.

“To all those who have [been] welcomed with open hearts into our homes. And to all those who have lost their beloved family and friends.

“And I know that the brave people of Ukraine will not give up. And let me assure you that neither will we.”

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, joined the ceremony via video link, saying: “Greetings to you on behalf of all our people, it is a great honour for me.

“Greetings from all those who fight, who work for the sake of Ukraine and for the sake of freedom.

“We see such a crime now – Russia’s terrorist war against Ukraine and Europe.

“This was also the case in the past, when tyrannies tried to subjugate Ukrainians and deprive all Europeans of their freedom.

“But when we win now – Ukrainians and all Europeans – we will win in such a way that there will never again be attempts to deprive Europe and Ukraine of freedom.

“We will win in such a way that there will be no attempt to apply genocidal policy against our people again, both in Ukraine and throughout Europe.”