MEPs award Ukraine's 'brave people' and President Zelenskyy with top human rights prize
The "brave people" of Ukraine defending their country against Russia's relentless invasion have been awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the European Union's highest tribute to human rights defenders.
The award is given every year by the European Parliament and comes with a €50,000 endowment.
MEPs paid tribute to Ukrainians' daily fight to protect their country's independence and uphold the values of freedom and democracy in the face of Russia’s "unprovoked war of aggression."
"They are standing up for what they believe in. Fighting for our values. Risking their lives for us," European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said on Wednesday afternoon, while unveiling the winner.
"No one is more deserving."
On behalf of the Ukrainian population, the prize will be handed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for "his bravery, endurance and devotion to his people," as well to Ukraine's civil society organisations.
Zelenskyy is unlikely to travel to Strasbourg on December 14, the date of the official Sakharov ceremony. The president has not left the country since Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion on 24 February.
The Sakharov Prize winner was selected by the parliament's conference of presidents, which Metsola chairs, among a pool of three finalists, including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and Colombia's Truth Commission.
Even before the official finalists were announced, Ukraine appeared to be the frontrunner.
Ukraine's bid had been backed by the three main political groups, the European People's Party (EPP), the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe, giving it a clear edge over the other two candidates.
Since the start of the invasion, the hemicycle has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, urging national
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