Head of the French Senate Gerard Larcher, who arrived in Ukraine the day before, spoke in the Verkhovna Rada. The politician focused on the support of our country by the whole European family.

“Within these walls, in the parliament building, beats the heart of European parliamentarism.. What a joy to see the EU flag in this hall together with the Ukrainian flag. 12 stars on a blue background is a symbol of unity and hope. And this banner unites us from Paris to Kyiv, from Kyiv to Brussels,"

The French politician stressed that " And Europe will continue to help Kyiv survive and win.

“We will be by your side to realize the status of a candidate. The European soul and ideals are embodied by the Ukrainian people. We will be with you at all levels, including the military. Your defeat would be our collective defeat. The front will hold if the rear holds. The rear are all 27 EU countries!

"

Granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership, the head of the French Senate called a historic step, which became possible thanks to the achievements of Ukraine.

Larcher reiterated that the French Senate and the national parliaments of Europe will be side by side with Ukraine in the coming months: from candidate status to approval of the decision to join the EU.

The speech of the politician was interrupted by applause more than ten times, said MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak (Voice). Speaker Stefanchuk thanked France for its support.