The wartime leader used his unannounced visit to London to commend the United Kingdom’s sustained support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion after Rishi Sunak pledged additional supplies and training for Ukrainian forces, fighter jet pilots, and marines.
During an unexpected visit to London, Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a standing ovation and shouts from parliament when he called on the United Kingdom and the West to give Ukraine fighter jets.
The Ukrainian president is the first foreign leader to address legislators in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the British parliament, since Aung San Suu Kyi in 2012.
MPs and peers gave Mr. Zelenskyy a standing ovation and applauded as he entered the famed hall, where the Queen’s coffin lay in state. Mr. Zelenskyy was dressed in his normal military fatigues.
He stated, “We shall always triumph over evil”.
We know liberty will prevail. And we are aware that Russia will lose.
He praised “the entire population of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland” for their support on behalf of “our soldiers who are currently in the trenches under enemy artillery fire.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was mentioned multiple times by his Ukrainian colleague, particularly when he thanked him for delivering additional equipment to his country.
Mr. Zelenskyy presented Sir Lyndsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, with a helmet signed by “one of our most accomplished Ukrainian Air Force pilots” after stating that he will “have the honor” of meeting King Charles later.
He answered, “He’s one of our monarchs.”
“The inscription on the helmet reads, ‘We are free. Give us wings to defend it!”
He said, “In the United Kingdom, the King is an air force pilot, however in Ukraine, every air force pilot is a king.”
Request for fighter aircraft
Mr. Zelenskyy stated that he believed the helmet’s emblem would benefit their “future coalition of planes.”
He said, “I urge you, and the term is simple and crucial: Combat aircraft for Ukraine are freedom’s wings.”
The Ukrainian president concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for the backing of legislators.
“And as I exited the British parliament two years ago, I thanked you for the great English tea,” he remarked amid laughing.
“As I leave the parliament today, I would like to thank you all in advance for the powerful English aircraft.
“God bless the United Kingdom and long live the King. Slava Ukraini.”
Mr. Zelenskyy was then transported to Buckingham Palace for a meeting with the King. Who was observed rushing through Westminster on his way back from an appointment.
Boris Johnson receives individual thanks
Boris Johnson, who has a good relationship with Mr. Zelenskyy and has been one of the most outspoken supporters of Ukraine, was noticed in the crowd of parliamentarians.
Mr. Johnson was singled out by the Ukrainian leader, who thanked him personally for lending “your helping hand when the world had not yet learned how to react.” As the Ukrainian departed the room, they exchanged a lengthy handshake and a few words.
Mr. Johnson renewed his calls for the United Kingdom to strengthen its support for Ukraine with longer-range missiles, artillery, and additional tanks and Typhoon fighters after his address.
Mr. Zelenskyy told parliament that the UK exhibited “grit and character” and “strong British character” early in the fight.
“Because you did not sacrifice your principles, you did not compromise the spirit of this magnificent union. “Thank you so much,” he continued.
The chair Winston Churchill used during World War II
He drew a standing ovation after asking, “Do you have a feeling that evil will once again crumble? I can see in your eyes that we now share your point of view.
“We know liberty will prevail. We are aware. And we expect Russia to lose”.
We are fully aware of the victory. The triumph will alter the world. And this will be a long overdue transformation for the planet.”
Winston Churchill was also mentioned, as Mr. Zelenskyy stated that he sat in Winston Churchill’s seat “from which war instructions were given” in the Churchill War Rooms two and a half years ago when he had just become president.
“I sure felt something, but I only know what it was now,” he told legislators. “And every Ukrainian knows it quite well, too.”
“Victory is the final reward for enduring the most inconceivable adversities while exhibiting courage.”
“From all of us, thank you for your bravery, ladies, and gentlemen.”
Surprise visit
Mr. Zelenskyy’s surprise trip was only his second outside of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February. Before Christmas, he traveled to the United States and stopped in Poland on the way back.
Moments after Mr. Zelenskyy’s arrival, the United Kingdom placed additional restrictions on companies supplying Russia with war weaponry and Russians related to “dubious financial networks,” thereby assisting the Kremlin elites in maintaining their wealth and power.
Mr. Sunak also pledged an “urgent” increase in military supplies for Ukraine, an offer to train an additional 20,000 Ukrainian troops, training for fighter jet pilots so they can fly fighter jets to NATO standards, and a marine training program.
