Johnson said at a virtual ceremony on Tuesday that Zelensky demonstrated "moral and physical courage" after the start of Russia's full-scale war and became a symbol of the heroism of the Ukrainian people, news outlets reported.
"As the Russians launched their lightning assault on Kyiv, you knew that you were at the top of their target list," Johnson said, addressing Zelensky via video link.
He added: "And you could have left Kyiv, you could have said – and it would have been hard to contradict you – that the survival of the Ukrainian state required the survival of the President. But of course Volodymyr you did none of those things: you chose to stay in Kyiv, among the Ukrainian people, just as Churchill stayed in London in 1940. And when one world leader offered you a way out, you replied ‘I need ammunition, not a ride.'"
Johnson also said, as quoted by his office: "And inspired by your leadership, I know not just that Ukraine can win but Ukraine will win, and when that day comes, as it will, Ukraine will rise and take its place, as a free sovereign and independent nation."
Expressing his gratitude for the award, Zelensky said it reflected not only his own efforts, but the heroism of tens of thousands of Ukrainian men and women who distinguished themselves in battles against Russian troops, Ukraine's Ukrinform news agency reported.
“This award would not be possible if the entire Ukrainian people had not risen up to defend freedom from the attack of tyranny,” Zelensky said, as cited by the ukrinform.net website.
(gs)
Source: PAP, ukrinform.net, gov.uk