"The world is with us."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is right.

The overwhelming majority of the world, including the people of Europe, is committed to peace, and to resolving a conflict fabricated by an increasingly authoritarian Russian leader through peaceful means.

That is why democracy matters.

When democracies function properly - independent media, civil society, free and fair elections - the public can ensure that their leaders do what is best for the people and focus on their well-being. This is why well-functioning democracies tend not to start wars.

And this is why one of the EU's core purposes is to promote democracy, freedom and cooperation among its members: so citizens can prosper in peace.

We are for peace.

We are for freedom and democracy.

We are with Ukraine.