President Zelensky vows Ukraine's forces will free them from Russia's evil grip

08 February 2023 , 22:23

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Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed his Ukrainian forces would eventually free the war-ravaged nation from Russia ’s barbaric grip.

But he pleaded with Britain to help his country’s cause against dictator Vladimir Putin by urgently providing him with fighter jets.

As Moscow’s bombs continued to batter innocent Ukrainian civilians, the President gave a rousing speech to a packed Westminster Hall in London.

He said: “I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words… combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom.”

Referring to then-Prince Charles training as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot in the 70s, Mr Zelensky added: “In Britain, the King is an air force pilot and in Ukraine today, every air force pilot is a king.

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President Zelensky vows Ukraine's forces will free them from Russia's evil grip

The Ukrainian leader pleaded for help from the UK (Getty Images)

"We will always come out on top of evil, this lies at the core of our, but also your, traditions. We know freedom will win, we know Russia will lose.

“And we know the victory will change the world, a change it has long needed. The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most important victory of our lifetime.

“A victory over the very idea of the war.” Mr Zelensky told ministers and MPs, including Boris Johnson, he was “thanking all of you in advance for powerful English planes”.

But Russia warned of “military and political consequences for the world” that would be on London’s conscience if Britain gave Ukraine fighter jets.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (PA)

Mr Zelensky’s plea piled pressure on Rishi Sunak to send planes. No10 later said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had been asked to explore what aircraft the UK could provide in the light of the heartfelt appeal.

The PM has so far resisted, claiming it would take too long to train pilots on the RAF’s F-35 Lightning II and Typhoon aircraft. But he revealed yesterday the UK would begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly “sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets”.

Mr Sunak’s spokesman added: “This is a long-term solution rather than a short-term capability, which is what Ukraine needs most now.”

After Mr Zelensky’s speech, he presented Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle with a Ukrainian airman’s helmet.

Zelensky has vowed to take back his country from Russia's grip (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The President had arrived at Stansted airport on an RAF C17 Globemaster transport plane yesterday morning. Wearing his trademark combat outfit, he met Mr Sunak on the tarmac.

Mr Zelensky was driven around in an armoured BMW 7 Series as part of a 12-vehicle convoy. He last night visited Lulworth Camp in Dorset, where Ukrainian troops are training to use Challenger 2 tanks that will be sent to help their forces. Mr Zelensky, who arrived by helicopter with Mr Sunak, told the troops: “Your courage is inspiring. We will be there until you are victorious.”