Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska pleaded for “justice” for Ukraine and not just victory over Russia as she addressed MPs and Peers at Westminster on Tuesday afteroon.
Ms Zelenska received a standing ovation as she arrived to give the speech in a parliamentary committee room.
She called for justice for Ukraine as she addressed MPs and peers.
Speaking in a busy committee room, she said through a translator: “Ukrainians are going through the terror, which will resonate with you.
“Your islands survived the air raids, which were identical to those that Russia uses now to put us on our knees.
“We’re hearing sirens every day identical to those which were heard by earlier British generations. You did not surrender and we will not surrender.
“But victory is not the only thing we need. We need justice.”
Former prime minister Boris Johnson was among those to attend the address, which saw Ms Zelenska welcomed by Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, with the Union and Ukrainian flags hung at the top of the room.
As part of her speech, Ms Zelenska showed MPs and peers pictures displaying the impact of Russian strikes.
She showed politicians pictures of a Russian attack on a Vilniansk maternity hospital, in the Zaporizhia region.
She also showed a picture showing the impact of blackouts on the Ukrainian people, as well as a burnt-out apartment block in Kherson.
“Have a look at what it means,” she said.
MPs and peers had gathered early to await the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's wife, who on Monday was in Downing Street as part of a visit to London.
Sir Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey were among those in attendance, as well as Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt and a host of MPs from across all parties.
Sir Lindsay had introduced Ms Zelenska by saying it was parliamentarians’ duty to “keep the world awake” to the horrors of Russia’s invasion as he praised her “bravery”.
