Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested the United Kingdom to assist his country with fighter jets during his first visit to the United Kingdom since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In an impassioned speech, he likened war aircraft to “wings for freedom”.
His request comes after the UK announced it would train Ukrainian forces to fly NATO-standard combat jets.
President Zelensky closed his remarks by expressing his hope that he would soon thank the United Kingdom for providing aircraft.
Later, Downing Street reported that Mr. Sunak had requested that the defense secretary study what jets the United Kingdom could potentially offer to Ukraine, but emphasized that this was a “long-term solution.”
In front of a massive throng of MPs and peers in the ancient Westminster Hall, President Zelensky stated, “Freedom will win – we know Russia will lose,” adding that the United Kingdom was marching alongside his country to “the most significant victory of our lifetimes.”
He thanked the United Kingdom for its “grit” and stated that its support for Ukraine had not compromised the “spirit and ideals” of these “great islands.”
He also singled out Boris Johnson for praise stating the former prime minister had united others “when it seemed impossible”.
During his address, which was welcomed with ovation throughout, the Ukrainian leader presented the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, with a Ukrainian pilot’s helmet.
On the helmet is written, “We have freedom; grant us wings to defend it.”
Recalling his most recent trip to the United Kingdom, he recalls thanking his hosts “for delicious English tea.”
“I’m leaving the House of Representatives today, and I’d like to thank you for our powerful aeroplane.”
Mr. Johnson issued a statement reiterating his demands “It is time to provide the Ukrainians with the additional materiel necessary to defeat Putin and restore peace in Ukraine. This implies longer-range missiles and artillery, more tanks, and aircraft.”
The president’s passionate request for Britain to give Ukraine fast planes appears improbable, at least for now.
He says it is still possible that a handful of Western nations could provide Ukraine with a small number of modern fighter jets at some point in the future, and that while Kyiv has made it clear that it wants F-16s made in the United States, which are operated by several Nato nations, US President Joe Biden has thus far declined.
President Zelensky is keenly conscious of the need to keep his Western backers interested in this battle lest ‘compassion fatigue set in and the flow of munitions and financial aid dries up.
He’s only visited the UK, the US, and Poland since the conflict began.
He knows that his charisma and persuasion can directly translate into Ukraine’s military aid packages.
Volodymyr Zelensky requests UK jets for freedom
If these stopped, Ukrainians would never be able to remove Russian forces.
As the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, the United Kingdom has declared that it will expand its training of Ukrainian forces to include marines, as well as fighter jet pilots, trained to NATO standards.
Western governments are contemplating how to support Ukraine ahead of a renewed Russian onslaught later this month.
After saying sending aircraft to Ukraine was “not viable,” the UK’s training plan expanded.
The United Kingdom declared earlier this year that it will send fourteen combat tanks to Ukraine. President Zelensky lauded Mr. Sunak for this “bold defense move.”
In his speech, Putin urged the UK and West to pursue sanctions “until Russia is unable to pay the war.
“Those who invest in terror must be held accountable, and those who invest in violence must recompense victims of terror.”
Wednesday, the United Kingdom launched a new round of penalties against Russia.
The most recent sanctions target IT companies and makers of military equipment, including drones and helicopter parts.
Before addressing Parliament, President Zelensky visited with King Charles and spoke with Mr. Sunak at Downing Street.
He will meet Macron and Scholz in the Elysee Palace in Paris.
“The genuine thing”
Brian Wheeler, political reporter from Westminster Hall
“He is the real thing. There are hardly many leaders like that in the world.”
Stephen Doughty of Labour, like many others in Westminster Hall, was filled with amazement by President Zelensky’s address.
A few were overtaken with emotion and wiped away a tear as they listened to his impassioned, fully English-language speech.
Mr. Doughty, a member of the all-party Ukraine group who recently visited the nation, found Mr. Zelensky’s victory sign after his speech to be the most memorable event.
As he typically does when addressing a British audience, the president referred to Sir Winston Churchill.
The Labour MP will never forget being bathed in sunlight through stained glass windows commemorating two great wars.
He stated, “The symbolism of that is enormous.”
