‘Freedom will win’ Zelensky tells UK on visit, pushes for warplanes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed for fighter jets to ensure his country’s victory over Russia in a dramatic speech before the UK Parliament, where he also thanked the British people for their support since “Day One” of Moscow’s invasion.

The embattled leader’s daring visit to Britain in a bid for more advanced weapons comes as Ukraine braces for an expected Russian offensive and hatches its own plans to retake land held by Moscow’s forces. Support from Western allies thus far has been key to Ukraine’s surprisingly stiff defence – and now the two sides are engaged in grinding battles.

Hundreds of lawmakers and parliamentary staff packed the 900-year-old Westminster Hall, the oldest – and unheated – part of Parliament for Zelensky’s speech. It was only his second confirmed journey outside Ukraine since Russia invaded nearly a year ago.

Zelensky, wearing his trademark olive drab sweatshirt, urged allies to send his country jets, saying combat aircraft would be “wings for freedom”.

The president later met with King Charles not long after addressing parliament, emerging around 40 minutes later, according to images shown on British television.