London. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UK lawmakers to declare Russia a “terrorist state” and called for tougher sanctions on Moscow to “ensure that May our country be safe.” He made this request at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a special military operation against his country.
Members of parliament stood up to pay respects to Zelensky, 44, who delivered a “historic” speech in the ‘House of Commons’ via video link on Tuesday. Addressing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Zelensky said, “We are looking forward to help from you, Western countries. We are grateful for this help and I am grateful to you, Boris.”
“Please increase the pressure of sanctions against this country (Russia) and please recognize this country as a terrorist state,” he said. Please ensure that our Ukrainian skies remain safe. Please make sure you do all that needs to be done.”
In an emotional speech, Zelensky reiterated former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s promise to fight Russian troops in the airfield, at sea and on the streets. In his address, the Prime Minister of Ukraine gave details of the day-to-day attacks by Russia.
He concluded his speech by saying, “Do what you can, do what you ought to do because greatness is what brings greatness, brings your country and your people together.” This is the first time a foreign leader has addressed lawmakers in the House of Commons directly.