Ukrainian President’s first visit to the UK since full-scale Russian invasion: key points

On Feb. 8, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the UK on his first visit since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

During his visit, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and addressed British Parliament. In his speech, Zelenskyy thanked the UK for its support in the war against Russia.

“I have come here and stand before you on behalf of the brave, on behalf of our war heroes who are now in the trenches under enemy artillery fire, on behalf of our air gunners, and every defender of the sky who protects Ukraine against enemy aircraft and missiles, on behalf of our tank men who fight to restore our Ukrainian borders, on behalf of our conscripts who are being trained now, including here in Britain,” Zelenskyy in a speech from Westminster Hall.

Later, the Ukrainian President met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

“It is an honor for me to be the first President of Ukraine in the history of Ukrainian-British relations to be honored by the British monarch with an audience,” stated Zelenskyy.