Interpreter breaks down during impassioned Zelenskyy's plea to Europe - 'Fighting for freedom'

An interpreter has broken down during an emotional speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he told the European Parliament his people are "fighting for their freedom".

Addressing the EU in a live video link, the Ukrainian leader pleaded with European leaders to "prove you are together with us".

As he spoke, an emotional European Parliament translator struggled to interpret the words for English speakers.

"This is the price of freedom. We are fighting, just for our land and for our freedom," Zelenskyy said, causing the translator to be heard struggling to get through the words.

Read more: Video shows building engulfed in fireball after Russian missile strike

"Despite the fact that all lines to our cities are blocked, nobody is going to enter and intervene with our freedom.

"Believe you me, every square of today, no matter what it's called, is going to be called Freedom Square, in every city. Nobody is going to break us. We are strong. We are Ukrainians."

Concluding his speech, Zelenskyy said: "We have proven our strength. We have proven that, as a minimum, we are exactly the same as you.

"So, prove that you are with us. Prove that you will not let us go. Prove that you indeed are Europeans. And then life will win over. And light will win over darkness. Glory be to Ukraine."

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European Union lawmakers, many wearing #standwithUkraine T-shirts bearing the Ukrainian flag, gave him a standing ovation.

Zelenskyy has remained in Kyiv to rally his people against the invasion, which has so far hindered Putin's progress more than anticipated.

As the president spoke, a 64km-long Russian armoured column was bearing down on the capital amid fears a frustrated Russian military leadership could launch and even bigger offensive with devastating consequences.

On Monday, Ukraine officially applied to join the bloc. Charles Michel, the chairman of EU leaders, told the EU Parliament after Zelenskiy's speech that the bloc would have to seriously look at Ukraine's "legitimate" request to join.

But he added: "It is going to be difficult, we know there are different views in Europe (about further enlargement)."

The EU has taken unprecedented steps in the war, including financing weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

According to the draft resolution and amendments backed by the assembly's main parties, lawmakers will call for the scope of sanctions to be broadened and "aimed at strategically weakening the Russian economy and industrial base, in particular the military-industrial complex".

The European Parliament will also urge EU leaders to be tougher on oligarchs and officials close to the Russian leadership