Watch Zelensky address LIVE: Ukraine’s president delivering speech to Parliament in Westminster Hall
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is addressing Parliament at Westminster Hall as he embarks on his first visit to the UK since Russia’s invasion.
He began his speech by thanking Britain on behalf of his country’s “war heroes”.
He also thanked former prime minister Boris Johnson for the support he showed as Russia launched its invasion.
“London has stood with Kyiv since day one, from the first seconds and minutes of the full-scale war, Great Britain you extended your helping hand when the world had not yet come to understand how to react,” he said.
“Boris: you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible. Thank you.”
Mr Zelensky earlier met Rishi Sunak at Number 10 after jetting in to Stansted airport for his surprise visit.
The Prime Minister promised extra military support having announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots, paving the way for them eventually being able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard jets, a key request from Mr Zelensky.
The visit will also see Mr Zelensky have an audience with the King and visit Ukrainian troops.
The war dominated Mr Sunak’s exchange with Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions at midday.
Opening the session, Mr Sunak told MPs: “I am delighted that President Zelensky is here in the United Kingdom 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 to include jet pilots and marines, and ensure that Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests today and in to the future.”
Sunak thanked for ‘powerful defensive’ support 13:24 , Miriam Burrell
President Zelensky said Ukrainian soldiers are being trained in Britain and he thanked Rishi Sunak for today’s announcement of further support.
“I thank you Rishi for these powerful defensive steps for tank assistance,” he told the Prime Minister.
“It will allow us to make the evil completely retreat from our country.”
‘The world needs your leadership Britain,’ Zelensky says 13:20 , Miriam Burrell
“The world needs your leadership, Britain, just as it needs Ukrainian bravery,” President Zelensky told MPs during his address at Westminster Hall.
He said together with US, the UK and Ukraine created “a true coalition of friends”, and a “coalition of values” together with the G7.
“Your help was preventive,” he added.
‘We know that Russia will lose’ 13:17 , Miriam Burrell
“We know that Russia will lose,” President Zelensky said.
“We will always come out on top of evil. This lies at the core of our, and your, traditions.
“However the horizon never stays clear for a while, when the old evil is defeated, the new one is attempting to raise its head.”
Boris Johnson thanked for uniting allies 13:15 , Miriam Burrell
President Zelensky has thanked former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for uniting allies in support for Ukraine “from day one” of Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky visited Churchill war rooms 13:13 , Miriam Burrell
President Zelensky said he visited the Churchill war rooms in 2020 and a tour guide offered for him to sit in an armchair.
“I suddenly felt something…but it is only now that I know what that feeling was,” he told MPs at Westminster Hall.
He explained how that feelingof bravery “takes your through unimaginable hardships to finally reward you with victory”.
Zelensky stands ‘on behalf of the brave’ 13:10 , Miriam Burrell
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he stands before the people of UK on “behalf of the brave”, defenders of the sky, conscripts and parents who are waiting for their children to return from war.
Zelensky ‘put himself at risk’ to visit UK 13:06 , Miriam Burrell
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle said Parliament is “honoured” that President Zelensky has put himself at risk to visit the UK and shine a light on the fact that his country is still fighting.
“I do not believe any of us in the room are complacent about the realities of conflict,” he said to MPs in Westminster Hall.
Zelensky applauded at Westminster Hall 13:01 , Miriam Burrell
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Westminster Hall to rapturous applause from more than 600 MPs at a packed Westminster Hall.
Zelensky arrives at Westminster Hall 12:51 , Miriam Burrell
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Parliament ahead of his address to MPs.
He shook hands with the Speaker of the House of Commons and the House of Lords before making his way to a packed Westminster Hall.
MPs including Michael Fabricant have lined up to hear from the Ukrainian leader.
Zelensky to address MPs 12:37 , Miriam Burrell
Prime Minister’s Questions has ended ahead of President Zelensky’s address to MPs at Parliament.
Mr Zelensky will address both Houses in Westminster Hall at 1pm.
PM asked about further aid for Turkey, Syria 12:34 , Miriam Burrell
MP Feryal Clark said it’s the third day after the deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which means the likelihood of pulling survivors out of the rubble is “less and less likely”.
“Can I ask the Prime Minister when we can expect an announcement on further aid?” she asked.
Rishi Sunak said he spoke to Turkey’s president yesterday who said search and rescue teams are most needed right now.
He said in Syria the UK is funding the White Helmets team, who are working on the ground.
40,000 Devon residents waiting for energy bill support 12:30 , Miriam Burrell
MP Richard Foord said more than 40,000 residents in Devon live “off the gas grid” and need energy bill government support “up front”.
“What will the Prime Minister say to these people waiting for alternative payment five months later?” he asked.
Rishi Sunak said “that money should be getting to them” and he would “make sure” that happens.
PM asked to mark invasion of Ukraine with minute’s silence 12:27 , Miriam Burrell
On February 24 it will be one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, MP Vicky Ford said.
She asked Rishi Sunak if he will call for a national minute of silence on that date.
The Prime Minister said “I’m sure it’s something we are considering as we speak and there are many other ways we can mark that moment” including “international condemnation” of Russia.
PM asked to pay social care workers more 12:24 , Miriam Burrell
The Prime Minister was asked to pay a higher minimum wage to social care workers, as outlined in the Liberal Democrat’s plan.
Rishi Sunak said a further £14 billion in funding has been given to health and social care workers.
Human trafficking ‘nothing to do’ with small boat crossings 12:22 , Miriam Burrell
Human trafficking has nothing to do with people crossing the Channel in small boats, MP Philip Hollobone said.
A third of all trafficking of UK occurs wholly in the borders. He called for a specific position to be created to tackle the problem.
Mr Sunak said he is proud of the UK’s “world leading” legislation against human trafficking.
UK has ‘unbreakable friendship’ with Ukraine 12:16 , Miriam Burrell
Rishi Sunak has said the UK has an “unbreakable friendship” with Ukraine.
Opening PMQs, he said: “I am proud that we are expanding the training for Ukrainian forces to include jet pilots and marines, and ensure that Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests today and in to the future.”
Sunak asked if he regrets Truss’s time as PM 12:15 , Miriam Burrell
SNP leader Stephen Flynn said former Prime Minister Liz Truss said did not regret her time in office.
Mr Sunak was asked if he regrets Ms Truss’s time in office.
The Prime Minister said he is grateful to all who contribute to UK politics. He said mistakes were made but the Government has “a clear plan to halve inflation and grow the economy”.
UK is ‘leading European ally for Ukraine’ 12:12 , Miriam Burrell
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “We in this house have a duty to stand on the shoulders of giants and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, liberty and victory.”
Rishi Sunak said UK is the leading European ally for Ukraine, and it will continue to invest in military support for the country.
Putin ‘and all his cronies’ must face justice 12:10 , Miriam Burrell
When the war in Ukraine is over, President Putin “and all his cronies” must stand …and face justice.
Rishi Sunak said the UK must hold those to acocunt for the “horrific crimes they have committed”.
UK support for Ukraine ‘goes even further’ today 12:07 , Miriam Burrell
Rishi Sunak said the Government has accelerated military support for Ukraine this year.
The Prime Minister said today “we are going even further” by providing challenger tanks and moves to start training Ukrainian marines and pilots.
UK can be proud of support to Ukraine, PM says 12:05 , Miriam Burrell
Sir Keir Starmer said no experiences compare to the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine. He said it is vital to stand together in full support of Ukraine.
Rishi Sunak said the entire House of Commons can be proud it came together to stand with Ukraine “when it mattered”.
PMQs to begin 11:57 , Miriam Burrell
After welcoming President Zelensky to Downing St, Rishi Sunak is heading to the House of Commons to answer questions from MPs.
Then Mr Zelensky will address Parliament at 1pm.
Zelensky thanks UK for support 11:53 , Miriam Burrell
Standing inside No 10 Downing Street alongside Rishi Sunak, President Zelensky said it was a “great honour” to visit the UK.
Speaking in White Room ahead of bilateral talks with Rishi Sunak, he said: “Thank you so much Rishi for inviting me and for me great honour to be here in Britain.
“And thanks Britain for society first of all for your big support from the first days of full-scale invasion.
“Thank you so much. We are proud really and we have very good relations with Rishi.”
Mr Zelensky added that the two leaders would continue their dialogue which he said was “very important for security of our country and of the course the security for the world”.
President Zelensky has said he is visiting London “to personally thank the British people”.
He said the UK was one of the first countries to come to Ukraine’s aid after Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky arrives at Downing St 11:40 , Miriam Burrell
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Downing Street as he visits the UK for the first time since Russia invaded his country.
He and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chatted as they walked from their car to No 10.
The pair then shook hands outside the famous black door and waved to the cameras, before heading in to hold talks.
The Foreign Office said that sanctions have targeted five individuals linked to Vladimir Putin’s luxury residences, including presidential commissioner for entrepreneur’s rights Boris Titov and Aerostart owner Viktor Myachin.
CST, a manufacturer of Russian drones, RT-Komplekt, which produces parts for helicopters used by Russia in the war against Ukraine, are among the entities sanctioned.
New sanctions announced against Russia as Zelensky touches down in London 11:10 , Barney Davis
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced a fresh round of sanctions against the Russian military and some Kremlin figures, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a visit to the UK.
The sanctions package hits six entities the Foreign Office said provided military equipment such as drones to the Russia government, as well as eight individuals and one entity linked to Russian financial networks.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Ukraine has shown Putin that it will not break under his tyrannical invasion. He has responded by indiscriminately striking civilian areas and critical national infrastructure across the country.
“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.”
Rishi Sunak greeted Volodymyr Zelensky as the Ukrainian President arrived in the UK. 11:05 , Barney Davis
The Prime Minister tweeted a picture of the pair, with Mr Sunak embracing his Ukrainian counterpart at Stansted.
“Welcome to the UK, President Zelensky,” he tweeted.
Zelensky arrives in UK 10:39 , Miriam Burrell
Volodymyr Zelensky has landed at Stansted Airport.
The Ukrainian leader is heading to Westminster where he will meet the Prime Minister before addressing MPs.
The UK is set to announce new sanctions targeting those who have helped Vladimir Putin build his personal wealth and firms which have profited from the war.
The sanctions will hit companies who are profiting from “the Kremlin’s war machine”, Downing Street said in a statement.
King to meet Zelensky 10:30 , Miriam Burrell
The King will hold an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today, Buckingham Palace has said.
Mr Zelensky will be greeted in the Palace quadrangle before being taken to meet the monarch inside the royal residence.
Zelensky and Sunak last met in Kyiv 10:27 , Miriam Burrell
Volodymyr Zelensky and Rishi Sunak met last when the Prime Minister visited Kyiv, Ukaine’s capital, in November.
The Ukrainian President’s visit to the UK is believed to be his second foreign visit since the conflict started.
He visited Joe Biden in the White House in December and also addressed Congress.
Mr Zelensky’s trip to the UK comes almost a year after he made a virtual address to the UK Parliament.
Read more here.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will use his surprise visit to the UK to see his country’s troops being trained by the British armed forces.
Rishi Sunak is expanding the training offered by the UK to include fighter jet pilots and marines, and has promised an “immediate surge” of military equipment including longer-range weapons.
Downing Street said the Government is following a “two-pronged” approach, with more military kit now to counter a spring offensive by Russia, with long-term support for the future.
Although Ukraine is desperate for fighter jets immediately to counter the Russian air force, the length of the required training means that No 10 has said the pilot programme is a “long-term capability investment”.
