Zelenski speaks at the British Parliament
The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, stressed Wednesday from the UK Parliament that «London has stood by Kiev from the first day» of the Russian invasion and thanked the British authorities for their help «when the world still did not know how to react». SOURCE: EUROPA PRESS
The president thanked the country on behalf of the Ukrainians
Zelenski, who stressed that he speaks «on behalf of all the fathers and mothers waiting for their brave sons and daughters back from the front line,» said that the British government supported Ukraine «from the first seconds and minutes» of the war.
A united front
Thus, he extolled that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson «got others to come together when it seemed absolutely impossible,» before adding that the UK is «marching» alongside Ukraine «towards the most important victory of our lives, the victory of the very idea of war.»
A coalition of friends
The Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine and its allies have created «a real coalition of friends» that has achieved «remarkable» results and called for new sanctions against Moscow. «The world needs the UK’s leadership just as it needs Ukraine’s courage,» he explained.
Thanks for your cooperation
In this vein, he applauded the British government’s decision to deliver battle tanks to Kiev and thanked British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for what he described as «a powerful step in defense,» as reported by the British newspaper The Guardian.
Fight for freedom
«Freedom will win,» Zelenski has said amid applause from British parliamentarians, British television network BBC reported. «We know Russia will lose. We will always be above evil. This is at the heart of our, and also your, traditions,» he said.
A very special gift
Finally, he presented the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, with a Ukrainian pilot’s helmet on which is written the message: »We have freedom, give us wings to protect it», in reference to Kiev’s request for the delivery of fighter planes to repel the Russian offensive. Zelensky has expressed his wish that this symbol »will help in the upcoming coalition of aircraft, wings for freedom».
Glory to Ukraine
«I leave Parliament today giving thanks in advance for the mighty English planes,» he stressed, sparking laughter and applause among those present. «God bless the king. Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine),» Zelenski remarked.
