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Ukraine’s Zelensky pleads for fighter jets on UK visit

08.02.2023 17:00
Ukraine’s president made a surprise visit to Britain on Wednesday, meeting with the country’s leaders and making an address to both houses of parliament, in which he urged the UK to supply his country with combat aircraft to fight the Russian invasion.
Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) is being welcomed by Lindsay Hoyle (left), Speaker of the House of Commons and John McFall (right), Lord Speaker of the House of Lords in Westminster Hall, London, Britain, on February 8, 2023, before addressing a joint session of the UK Parliament.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) is being welcomed by Lindsay Hoyle (left), Speaker of the House of Commons and John McFall (right), Lord Speaker of the House of Lords in Westminster Hall, London, Britain, on February 8, 2023, before addressing a joint session of the UK Parliament.PAP/EPA/UK PARLIAMENT/JESSICA TAYLOR HANDOUT

Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to UK lawmakers assembled at Westminster Hall to provide Ukraine with advanced fighter jets to help his country battle Russian aggression, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

‘Wings for freedom’

The Ukrainian president also commended the “bravery” of the British people and politicians who helped create the international alliance in support of war-torn Ukraine, Britain’s The Guardian newspaper reported. 

Zelensky said in his historic speech to the members of the Houses of Commons and Lords: “Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your bravery. London has stood with Kyiv since day one, from the first seconds and minutes of the full-scale war.”

Ukraine’s leader stated he had a simple message to the UK: “Combat aircrafts for Ukraine. Wings for freedom,” according to news outlets.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zelensky met with the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. 

After addressing the UK parliament, Ukraine’s president was hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. 

Later in the day, Zelensky was due to meet with French president Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris, according to Reuters.

Zelensky’s trip to Britain is thought to be only his second foreign visit since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, according to news outlets. 

In December, Zelensky visited the United States for talks with President Joe Biden and to address the US Congress.

Wednesday is day 350 of Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

(pm)

Source: PAP, Reuters, The Guardian, BBC