Speaking to Italy’s Parliament, Zelensky evokes the threat of famine and the fate of Europe.

In a speech by video link, President Zelensky warned Italy’s Parliament that the invasion of his country could become a stepping stone for Russian forces seeking to enter Europe, and that famine would strike in parts of the world if Ukrainian farmers were unable to do their work.

“Ukraine is the gate for the Russian army — they want to enter Europe,” he said. “But barbarity should not enter.”

Mr. Zelensky warned that “famine was approaching for several countries” that depended on Ukrainian corn, oil and wheat, including Italy’s “neighbors across the sea,” referring to some North African nations.
“How can we sow under the strikes of Russian artillery? How can we cultivate when our enemy destroys our fields and our fuel?” he said.

In response, Prime Minister Draghi of Italy said that the country wanted Ukraine to join the European Union, and praised the “heroic” resistance of the Ukrainians. Read more

@nytimes