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Zelensky blasts ‘evil’ Putin and thanks UK for military aid as he begs for fighter jets with ‘wings for freedom’ plea
VOLODYMYR Zelensky begged Rishi Sunak to provide Ukraine with fighter jets in an emotional landmark speech to Parliament today.
He pleaded for more military support — and said he knows how Winston Churchill felt during World War Two
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In the grand Westminster Hall, Ukraine's hero President pleaded for planes - "wings for freedom" - to help his country crush evil tyrant Putin.
Zelensky was then whisked to Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles before visiting Ukrainian troops being trained by British soldiers in the South West.
In his first visit to the UK since Russia's invasion, the President said: "I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet the most important words.
"Combat aircrafts for Ukraine. Wings for freedom."
So far Britain, the US and Germany have refused to send aircrafts to Ukraine over fears of provoking Mad Vlad Putin.
But in a powerful plea to hundreds of MPs and peers, Zelensky implored Rishi Sunak to think again.
He even joked: "Thank all of you in advance for powerful English planes."
Zelensky added: "Great Britain, you and us both struggle for peace.
"Unfortunately, it is in human nature to allow evil. We must make sure it doesn't stand up against humanity. It destroys and kills and breaks people's lives."
Invoking memories of the Second World War, the President added: "You and us have already fought together against such evil.
"You and us already have experience of defeating the evil that is generated by human nature.
"It is impossible to completely erase evil from human nature. Yet it is in our power to guarantee with words and deeds that the light side of human nature will prevail.
"You and us share this stance above anything else."
In a poignant moment during his speech, Zelensky presented Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle with the helmet of a Ukrainian air force pilot.
"He's one of our most successful and he's one of our kings," the war hero said.
Inscribed on the helmet were the words: "We have freedom, give us wings to protect it."
Zelensky also used his impassioned address to praise King Charles and described the opportunity to meet him as an "honour".
Returning to theme of war planes, the President said: "In Britain, the King is an air force pilot and in Ukraine today, every air force pilot is a king."
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Inside Westminster Hall, MPs, peers, staff members and journalists cheered on the President as he delivered "one of the most powerful speeches you'll ever hear".
The atmosphere was buoyant and cheerful as Brits united in their unwavering support for Ukraine.
"We know Russia will lose", Zelensky said.
"The victory will change the world and this will be a change that the world has long needed.
"The United Kingdom is marching with us to the most important victory is our lifetime.
"Any aggressor who tries to push the boundaries by force, who tries to inflict destruction and death on other peoples, who try to endure dictatorship at the at the expense of other people's blood in criminal and unprovoked wars... any aggressor is going to lose."
Discussing life after the war, Zelensky stated: "There must be justice."
"Anyone who invests in terror must be held accountable," he said.
"Anyone, anyone who invests in violence must compensate those who have suffered from terror."
This afternoon Boris Johnson joined his friend Zelensky in calling on the PM to send jets to Ukraine.
"It is time to give the Ukrainians the extra equipment they need to defeat Putin and to restore peace to Ukraine," he said.
"That means longer range missiles and artillery. It means more tanks. It means planes.
"The best single use for any of these items is to deploy them now for the protection of the Ukrainians - not least because that is how we guarantee our own long-term security."
The President landed in Stansted Airport just outside London in a military transport plane this morning.
The war hero hugged Mr Sunak who greeted him as he stepped onto the tarmac.
A 12-car motorcade whizzed the two leaders down the motorway to Downing Street.
Outside No10 Zelensky waved to cameras before walking through the famous black door.
He was met inside by a standing ovation from Mr Sunak's staff.
The pair enjoyed a continental breakfast of croissants, jam, fruits and tea.
And they discussed a joint approach to countering Putin's aggression in Europe.
The PM confirmed a fresh surge of British military equipment to be sent to Ukraine, which will be reinforced by long-term support.
He also offered up more opportunities for Ukrainian troops to train in the UK, including on fighter jets.
It will ensure brave pilots can use state-of-the-art NATO standard jets in during battles.
Marines will begin receiving specialised lessons too.
Opening PMQs in the Commons this afternoon, Mr Sunak said: "I am delighted that President Zelensky is here in the UK today.
"It is a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries and I am proud that we are expanding the training for Ukrainian forces."
Mr Sunak added: “Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.
“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future.”
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Britain will also provide Ukraine with military equipment containing long range capabilities.
The gear will be crucial for disrupting Russia's ability to target critical national infrastructure.
It will also provide relief to soldiers working tirelessly on the front line.
So far 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have completed training on British soil.
A further 20,000 troops are expected to do the same this year.
This morning James Cleverly announced a fresh round of sanctions against Kremlin stooges to time with Zelensky's visit.
The package targets six organisations providing the Russian army with military equipment and eight individuals.
"Ukraine has shown Putin that it will not break under his tyrannical invasion," James Cleverly said.
"He has responded by indiscriminately striking civilian areas and critical national infrastructure across the country.
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"We cannot let him succeed. We must increase our support.
"These new sanctions accelerate the economic pressure on Putin - undermining his war machine to help Ukraine prevail. I am determined, consistent with our laws, that Russia will have no access to the assets we have frozen until it ends, once and for all, its threats to Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and integrity."
Mr Sunak and Zelensky jointly addressed the country at a press conference which started at 5pm.
The PM said: "We must arm Ukraine in the short-term, but we must bolster Ukraine for the long-term.
"Russia will see more than ever that their tactics are only solidifying western resolve, only convincing us to go further and faster. And we will"
Zelensky said Ukraine need a lot of equipment as they fight Iranian drones - which he says are hitting schools and residents.
He said: "I'm very grateful Britain has finally heard us."
A journalist from BBC Ukraine asked a question to both leaders after embracing Zelensky in a hug.
She asked Mr Sunak what he was going to do about Russian "money laundering" in London.
He said: "We are here with you an your people.
"In regards to sanctions, we put in place probably the most extensive and forward leading sanctions to demonstrate very clearly Russia's aggression was unacceptable.
"We've announced further sanctions today,
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"Where we can continue to tighten them and do more we will look to do so."
Zelensky added: "We're trying to remember who has been with us from the very first day of the war."
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