Interpreter breaks down during Zelensky’s remarks about children’s deaths

Correction: An earlier version of this report misidentified the interpreter’s employer. This version has been updated.

An interpreter covering Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to the European Parliament on Tuesday broke down as he relayed Zelensky’s remarks detailing the deaths of children and the toll that the Russian invasion has had on his nation.

The interpreter, who was not identified, can be heard in the broadcast crying and sniffling as he attempts to interpret the speech.

“This is the price of freedom,” the interpreter says, shakily relaying Zelensky’s words. “We are fighting just for our land and for our freedom,” he adds while pausing between breaths.

“Despite the fact that all our cities in our country are now blocked. Nobody is going to enter and intervene with our freedom and country. Believe you me, every square up today, no matter what it’s called, it’s going to be called as of today ‘Freedom Square’ in every city of our country. Nobody’s going to break us. We’re strong. We are Ukrainians,” Zelensky later said, according to the interpreter.

Zelensky told the European Parliament on Tuesday that 16 children have died as a result of the fighting in his country.

“We have the desire for our people and children [to be] living. I think that it is a fair desire. Yesterday, 16 children died. And again President [Vladimir] Putin will tell you that this is some sort of occupation. They hit our civilian infrastructure, where our children are,” he said during his speech.

“We are highly motivated people. Very highly. We are fighting for our rights, for our freedom, for our lives. And now we are fighting for our survival,” he added. “Please prove that you are together with us. Please prove that you will not repel us.”

European Parliament members gave Zelensky a standing ovation after his remarks from Kyiv.

–Updated at 10:25 a.m.