Help yourself by helping us, Ukraine's Zelenskiy tells northern European leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses, by videolink, attendees of the Joint Expeditionary Force meeting, a coalition of 10 states focused on security in northern Europe, at Lancaster House in London, Britain March 15, 2022. Justin Tallis/Pool via REUTERS

Europe must protect its own security by helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in London via video link on Tuesday, urging them to send more weapons.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hosting a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security.

"We all are the targets of Russia and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand so I would like to ask you to help yourself by helping us," Zelenskiy told the leaders.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and attendees applaud after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke, by videolink, at the Joint Expeditionary Force leaders meeting, a coalition of 10 states focused on security in northern Europe, at Lancaster House in London, Britain March 15, 2022. Also pictured is Finland's President Sauli Niinisto. Justin Tallis/Pool via REUTERS

"You know the kind of weapon we need ... without your support it would be very difficult I'm very grateful but I want to say that we need more ... I do hope that you will be able to enhance that scope and you will see how this will protect your security, your safety."

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by William James)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives at Lancaster House, to host the Joint Expeditionary Force leaders meeting, a coalition of 10 states focused on security in northern Europe, in London, Britain March 15, 2022. Justin Tallis/Pool via REUTERS

Latvia's Prime Minister Arturs Krisjanis Karins arrives at Lancaster House, for the Joint Expeditionary Force leaders meeting, a coalition of 10 states focused on security in northern Europe, in London, Britain March 15, 2022. Justin Tallis/Pool via REUTERS

James Cleverly, minister for Europe in UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, greets Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda upon arrival at Lancaster House before a meeting of leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force, in London, Britain March 15, 2022. Justin Tallis/Pool via REUTERS