On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Head of state Volodymyr Zelensky made a shock journey to the UK to talk in Westminster Hall as well as satisfy King Charles at Buckingham Royal Residence.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a cozy embrace with Mr Zelensky when he arrived at Stansted Airport terminal (above).
The two leaders waved outdoors Downing Road, prior to heading within.
Mr Sunak then mosted likely to the Commons for the weekly Prime Minster’s Questions.
In his opening words, he stated he was “delighted” that Mr Zelensky was checking out the UK.
He stated it was “testimony to the solid friendship” between the UK and Ukraine.
In the future, Mr Zelensky met Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and also Audio Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord McFall (above and listed below).
Mr Zelensky authorized the guestbook at Speaker’s Residence in the Palace of Westminster.
He also met Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Celebration.
Mr Zelensky got here on phase in Westminster Hall and also was met with rapturous praise.
Sir Lindsay introduced Mr Zelensky and reviewed a tea the pair shared in October 2020 throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Little did we know our connection would certainly grow in such stormy times,” Sir Lindsay claimed.
He spoke about the very first speech, made practically, by Mr Zelensky to the Commons last March, explaining the environment as “impressive”.
He stated Parliament was “honoured you put yourself at risk to resolve us” in person on Wednesday.
Mr Zelensky after that spoke in English and also stated he existed to represent Ukrainian warriors, “in behalf of our battle heroes who are in the trenches protecting Ukraine against adversary missiles”.
Mr Zelensky said thanks to the UK for offering equipment to his soldiers as well as training for those on the front line, and said the UK has been standing with Kyiv “given that the first day”.
The leader after that presented Sir Lindsay with a Ukrainian boxer pilot’s helmet.
The pilot it came from is “among the most effective aces, as well as he is among our kings”, Mr Zelensky said.
The writing on the helmet reads “we have liberty, give us wings to shield it”.
The president after that took a trip to Buckingham Royal residence to meet King Charles.
The two men were envisioned standing with each other as the King held an audience with the Ukrainian head of state – the very first time they had actually fulfilled face to face.
Mr Sunak as well as Mr Zelensky then flew with each other in a helicopter to Dorset for the next stop on the UK browse through.
They were envisioned poking fun at something on the PM’s phone as they prepared to take off.
They landed at Lulworth Camp, a military base in Dorset, flanked by their groups as well as armed military figures.
The Ukrainian president satisfied soldiers who are being trained in the UK on just how to operate Opposition 2 storage tanks.
He took time to present medals to some of the troops who will certainly quickly be sent out to the cutting edge.
Mr Sunak and also Mr Zelensky gave a joint interview before a container, the very same model the UK is donating to the Ukrainian war effort.
The PM said “absolutely nothing is off the table” when inquired about providing fighter jets to Ukraine.
Sending warplanes was “component of the discussion”, he told press reporters, hrs after Number 10 stated the defence assistant has actually been asked to investigate what jets the UK might possibly provide.
Last Updated: 09 February 2023
