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Zelensky tells British MPs 'We shall go on to the end', urges UK to increase sanctions on Russia
The Euronews reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed British MPs in what has been deemed an "important opportunity" by the House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.
"We shall go on to the end", Zelenskyy said, evoking the famous "never surrender" speech by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the same spot on 4 June 1940, as World War II raged across the continent.
Speaking by video from Ukraine to a packed House of Commons chamber, Zelenskyy urged Britain to increase sanctions on Russia and to recognize Russia as “a terrorist country”.
The MPs responded with a standing ovation.
A speech at the Common's Chamber by a foreign leader is a rare occurrence. Zelenskyy requested to read a statement to the House of Commons, and it was widely expected that the Ukrainian leader would again call for a no-fly zone over the country.
If the world stands aloof, it will lose itself. Forever. Because there are unconditional values. The same for everyone. First of all, this is life. The right to life for everyone. This is exactly what we are fighting for in Ukraine. Very fiercely, together with our military. This is exactly what these weak invaders want to deprive us of. This is exactly what the whole world must protect.
Posted by Володимир Зеленський on Tuesday, March 8, 2022
NATO ministers and Western leaders alike have refused the request due to concerns that the Kremlin might see its implementation as an act of war.
Zelenskyy's address took place on the 13th day of the war in Ukraine, amid claims that the Russian army went back on its assurances of a ceasefire once again, shelling the humanitarian corridor in Mariupol.
Meanwhile, the British government has been criticised for its failure to accept a more significant number of refugees from Ukraine, with only 50 visas issued to those fleeing the war and the Russian invasion by Sunday.
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Hoyle said while announcing the speech on Tuesday: "Every parliamentarian wants to hear directly from the president, who will be speaking to us live from Ukraine, so this is an important opportunity for the House."
Source: euronews
