The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Albanian people for their support since the very start of Russia’s aggression.

“I am grateful for the fact that you never hesitate to support anyone; you are definitely on the side of freedom and truth. Thank you for taking concrete steps for Ukraine, for your help on security, for your support against Russia, and for your attendance to our children and our people. Your stance towards the Ukrainian people reminded me of the Albanian St. Theresa, who has turned into a symbol of humanism for the entire world,” – said Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his speech before the Albanian Parliament by wishing all Muslim believers a happy Eid-al-Fitr and reminding everyone that since February 24, Ukrainians haven’t been able to live in peace.

Through a video-call for the Albanian Parliament, Zelenskyy spoke about Russian bombings that are taking hundreds of innocent lives, including children.

“Mariupol has been completely destroyed. No buildings remain,” – said the Ukrainian president, who added that such scenes are present in every city and every village around the world.

“Our senior citizens who have survived the Nazi invasion, say that they’ve never witnessed such atrocities even back then,” – added Zelenskyy.

In addition, he said that Russians are committing horrid crimes like forcing Ukrainians to lay on the ground with their shoes filled with water.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Albania, Volodymyr Shkurov was also present in Parliament during Zelenskyy’s remarks.

The Albanian Parliament was filled with Ukrainian flags.

Meanwhile, Albania is the first country in the Western Balkans to welcome Zelenskyy’s address in Parliament.