Picture : Twitter / ANI
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on British MPs to recognise Russia as a “terrorist country” following President Vladimir Putin’s attack on his nation and called for tougher sanctions to “make sure our skies are safe”.
According to ANI , The 44-year-old Ukrainian leader, who made a “historic” address to the House of Commons via videolink, received a standing ovation by members of Parliament.
“We are looking for your help, for the help of Western counties. We are thankful for this help and I am grateful to you, Boris,” said Zelenskyy, addressing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“Please increase the pressure of sanctions against this country (Russia) and please recognise this country as a terrorist country. Please make sure that our Ukrainian skies are safe. Please make sure that you do what needs to be done and what is stipulated by the greatness of your country. Glory to Ukraine and glory to the United Kingdom,” he said.
In an emotional address, Zelenskyy invoked Britain’s war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s words, promising to fight Russian troops in the air, sea and on the streets.
“We will not give up and we will not lose, we will fight until the end, at sea, in the air… we will continue fighting for our land. Whatever the cost…we will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets,” he said.
And quoting Shakespeare, he said the question for Ukraine is “to be, or not to be… it’s definitely yes, to be”.
It marked the first time a foreign leader has directly addressed MPs in the Commons after Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle had confirmed his request.
