February 14, 2023: -On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting European leaders as he continues his second significant trip abroad since Russia invaded Ukraine.

On Thursday, the Ukrainian leader managed the European Parliament and attended an extraordinary discussion of the 27 EU heads of state during the day.

In his speech, Zelenskyy stated that the region defends itself against the “anti-European force of the modern world.”

The discussions in Brussels reach after a surprise visit to the United Kingdom and a recently held meeting with French and German leaders in Paris that evening. It is the next time that Zelenskyy is familiar with, having left Ukraine since Russia invaded the country on February 24 last year.

The president uses his time abroad to thank allies for their support while also asking for commitments at a time when Ukrainian authorities anticipate a large-scale offensive by the Russians.

On Wednesday in London, Zelenskyy brought a helmet from a Ukrainian pilot with a note, “we are free; give us wings to protect it.”

Last month, Zelenskyy questioned Ukraine’s allies for fighter jets, a proposal that has yet not received the green light from Western nations. However, the U.K. said Wednesday it would train Ukrainian pilots to fly fighter jets, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated nothing was off the table regarding supporting Ukraine.

In Paris, Zelenskyy was clear with his requests to the French and German heads of state. “The sooner getting heavy long-range weapons, and our pilots get modern planes, Emmanuel, the earlier our pilots can get modern aircraft, Olaf, the more strong will our tank coalition,” Zelensky expressed.