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Ukraine-Russia war latest: France will help Ukraine to victory against Russia, vows Macron

Emmanuel Macron welcomes Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Olaf Scholz to the Elysee Palace - Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters
Emmanuel Macron welcomes Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Olaf Scholz to the Elysee Palace - Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Emmanuel Macron vowed France would help Ukraine to victory against Russia, after Volodymyr Zelensky praised the French president for changing his stance on Vladimir Putin.

Appearing in Paris alongside Mr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Mr Macron said France is "determined to help Ukraine to victory and the re-establishment of its legitimate rights".

He added that Paris would "continue the efforts" to deliver arms to Kyiv. Mr Scholz also assured the Ukrainian president of enduring allied support.

"We will continue to do so as long as necessary," he told reporters, noting Germany and its partners had backed Ukraine "financially, with humanitarian aid and with weapons".

He added that Ukraine belongs to the European family.

The joint appearance came after Mr Zelensky said Mr Macron had "changed" since he set off a firestorm of criticism from Kyiv by suggesting it was vital not to "humiliate" Mr Putin in Ukraine to allow for a diplomatic off-ramp.

"I think he has changed, and changed for real this time," Mr Zelensky told French newspaper Le Figaro ahead of his visit.

"After all, it's him who paved the way for the delivery of tanks. And he has also supported Ukraine's membership to the EU. I think that was a real signal," he said.Hours earlier, Mr Zelensky made a surprise first visit to Britain since the Russian invasion began, asking for more weaponry and, in particular, fighter jets.

Rishi Sunak pledged that "nothing is off the table" when it comes to sending military support to Ukraine.

The British Prime Minister, in a boost to Mr Zelensky, said sending warplanes was "part of the conversation" between the pair, but stopped short of making promises.

In a rousing address in Westminster Hall earlier today, Mr Zelensky told MPs: "Two years ago, I left Parliament thanking you for the delicious English tea. Today I will leave Parliament thanking all of you in advance for powerful English planes."

Mr Sunak said part of his talks with Mr Zelensky involved looking at the "supply chain" involved with the UK's fighter jets, suggesting other countries might have to sign off on a British decision to supply them to Kyiv.

Follow the latest updates below.


07:45 PM

What we learnt today

It has been quite the day for Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived in Britain this morning.

He spent most of the day with Rishi Sunak, but popped into Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles and made an address to MPs in Westminster Hall. He also went to Dorset by helicopter to see Ukrainian troops being trained on British Challenger 2 tanks.

Tonight, he will travel to Paris and meet French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Tomorrow he will head to Brussels to attend a European Union summit, where he will meet with other leaders.

His mission is to get countries to supply fighter jets to Ukraine. Rishi Sunak has not promised to deliver jets, but has said that "nothing is off the table."

We'll be back tomorrow, so please do join us again.


07:29 PM

Tanks to be delivered on time

One small detail from the press conference that may have been missed is that UK Challenger 2 tanks will be deployed in Ukraine next month, as planned.

"The Ukrainian crews who arrived last week will be using Challenger 2 tanks to defend Ukraine sovereign territory next month," Mr Sunak said at a joint press conference, sticking to the end-of-March target for their deployment previously announced.

Mr Sunak and Mr Zelensky met Ukrainian soldiers training on the tanks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset. - Andrew Matthews/PA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset. - Andrew Matthews/PA

07:15 PM

The moment a Ukrainian reporter hugged Zelensky

There was an emotional moment in the press conference earlier, as a Ukrainian reporter said she wanted to hug Mr Zelensky, but couldn't because of security reasons. That didn't bother him.


07:04 PM

What will happen to the helmet gifted to Lindsay Hoyle?

The Ukrainian fighter pilot's helmet presented to Sir Lindsay Hoyle by President Zelensky will go on display in Speaker's House, The Telegraph has been told.

It may even find its way to Chorley - Sir Lindsay's Lancashire constituency - at some point down the line, Amy Gibbons reports.

The Commons Speaker said: "President Zelensky received a hero’s welcome today. Everyone was so moved by his words, his energy, passion and charisma, and especially his gift of a helmet, which was worn by 'the ghost pilot' - so called, because the Russians couldn’t catch him.

"I am going to put it on display in Speaker's House so visitors can see it because it is a symbol of our support for Ukraine.
"You never know, it might also end up on display in Chorley too."

Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, left, holds the helmet of one of the most successful Ukrainian pilots, inscribed with the words "We have freedom, give us wings to protect it", which was presented to him by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - Stefan Rousseau/pool photo via AP
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, left, holds the helmet of one of the most successful Ukrainian pilots, inscribed with the words "We have freedom, give us wings to protect it", which was presented to him by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - Stefan Rousseau/pool photo via AP

06:55 PM

Macron has changed since comments on Russia, says Zelensky

French President Emmanuel Macron has "changed" since the statements he made on Russia irritated Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview to a French newspaper ahead of a visit to Paris.

"I think he has changed, and changed for real this time," Mr Zelensky told Le Figaro newspaper, when asked if Macron had changed since he irritated him with his comments on the need to avoid "humiliating" Russia.

"After all, it's him who paved the way for the delivery of tanks. And he has also supported Ukraine's membership to the EU. I think that was a real signal," Mr Zelensky said.

Macron said in June last year it was vital that Russia is not humiliated so that when the fighting stops in Ukraine a diplomatic solution can be found.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron shake hands after a press conference on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv - Alexey Furman/Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron shake hands after a press conference on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv - Alexey Furman/Getty Images

06:23 PM

More detail on fighter jets

The Prime Minister indicated that supplying fighter jets to Ukraine would involve holding conversations with allies that help provide the aircraft.

Rishi Sunak, addressing reporters at a joint press conference at a military base in Dorset, said: "There is a supply chain around such sophisticated aircraft.

"Those are conversations that the president and I are having and making sure we understand all the supply chain needs that go alongside aircraft like that - making sure they can be used and used safely, kept safely. So we are having that conversation.

"And it is also a conversation we are having with our allies because, particularly some of the aircraft we have, are done through joint treaty with multiple other countries - I think we have seen that with previous bits of kit that others have had to give.

"For aircraft, that is something we are also involved in because, as I said, we have other allies involved in the provision of those bits of equipment.

"And as the president said, he is on his way to Europe after this to pick up this conversation with our partners and allies over there."


06:14 PM

What we learnt

Volodymyr Zelensky has come to London with one mission: to get fighter jets for his military to use in the war against Russia.

After an impassioned speech to MPs, a meeting with Rishi Sunak, an audience with King Charles, a visit to an army base and a press conference - he has not explicitly got his wish.

Rishi Sunak says "nothing is off the table" but has not committed to sending jets. The UK will however train Ukrainian pilots.


06:08 PM

'Intensifying diplomacy'

"We are intensifying out diplomacy," says Mr Zelensky, who is visiting Europe this evening.

"With pilots, I didn't know it takes three years to train on typhoons. We will send you pilots with two-and-a-half years of experience," Mr Zelensky says, causing the crowd to laugh.

And with that, the conference is over and they leave to applause.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

06:05 PM

Jets not off the table, says Sunak

"With aircraft, we have said nothing is off the table. But we need to train people to fly these very sophisticated jets," Mr Sunak says.

"There is also a supply chain around such sophisticated aircraft.

"We are having this conversation," Mr Sunak adds.

"We have been nothing but out in front in this conflict."


06:02 PM

Zelensky here for 'gratitude and weapons'

"I am here as well for heavy artillery. We have to be frank. I am the president of a country fighting for independence and have to do everything I can to make our allies aware."

He says he is here for "Gratitude and weapons."

"But yes, London is a beautiful city. It's a shame I don't have more time here."


06:00 PM

Zelensky expresses thanks

Mr Zelensky is asked what his impressions of the UK are - not being in a war zone.

"I had to do two important things," he said.

"I had to express my gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom for helping us keep our land. Great Britain has been so active in this fight. I am so grateful. At any point we could have lost our independence but it didn't happen.

"We have to remember who has been with us since the very first day of the war. We will have victory, but it will not happen overnight."


05:58 PM

How much help do you need?

"I would like to be honest with you," says Mr Zelensky.

"In the pages of this war, there is a special section for our worries and Britain helping.

"We are grateful for whatever we were getting. Then we turned another page and we needed artillery. We needed anything to destroy the Russians who are killing and raping our people.

"Great Britain helped us a lot. We got a lot of help from the US with HIMARS. But Russia keeps on throwing people into the battlefield. We protect our people and want to prepare them.

"Now we are in the stagnation phase. You asked what happens if we don't get jets or munitions. Things are running out. These people will be living on our territory and that poses a risk to the rest of the world. They are terrorists.

"Without the weapons that we are discussing now, there will be stagnation, which will not lead to anything good."


05:52 PM

Sunak defends sanctions record

A BBC Ukraine correspondent starts by asking Mr Zelensky for a hug - which he is happy to give.

She asks a pointed question about Russians laundering money through London.

"I used to be the finance minister and we put in place the most forward leaning and strict sanctions package against Russian individuals. It was Britain that led the way in pushing for very strict sanctions," Mr Sunak says.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hold a news conference at an army camp, in Dorset - REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hold a news conference at an army camp, in Dorset - REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

05:45 PM

'Nothing is off the table' says Sunak

First question from ITV to Mr Sunak: "Will you give fighter jets to Ukraine?"

"Nothing is off the table," Mr Sunak says. He said that Britain was the first country to offer battle tanks, and led the way for other countries to do so.

"Of course, we have been discussing fighter combat aircrafts today," he says. "Nothing is off the table," he says again.


05:41 PM

'We will find a common path to victory'

"We have a very strong defence package from great Britain. We have already received vehicles and missiles. We will find a common path to victory," says Mr Zelensky.

"I am also grateful to His Majesty for the time I spent with him. I am also grateful to everyone in London standing with Ukrainian flags. We saw you.

"This marks a new level of our relations."


05:37 PM

Joint press conference starts

"We will expand our training program to your marines and fighter jet pilots," says Sunak.

"We must arm Ukraine in the short term but we must bolster Ukraine in the long term," he adds.


05:35 PM

Russia's warning over fighter jets

Russia's embassy to Britain has warned London against sending fighter jets to Ukraine, saying such a move would have "military and political consequences for the European continent and the entire world", the TASS news agency reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has today called on Britain to give Ukraine fighter jets as the next stage in the West's supplies of weapons to help Kyiv fight off the Russian invasion.

Britain said it would start training Ukrainian pilots in how to fly advanced NATO-standard fighter jets, but has not yet pledged to send planes.


05:31 PM

Press conference expected

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to hold a press conference shortly.


05:26 PM

Zelensky and Sunak visit Dorset

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have arrived by helicopter at Lulworth Camp, Dorset, to meet Ukrainian troops being trained by the British Army.

Mr Zelensky thanked MrSunak for his support before presenting medals to some of his troops.

Mr Sunak said: "It is a privilege for us to have all of you here and your courage is inspiring to us and the courage of your families is inspiring to us.

"We will be there until the end and you are victorious."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset - Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet Ukrainian troops being trained to command Challenger 2 tanks at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset - Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

05:12 PM

Ukraine appeals to King Charles

In his address to MPs, Mr Zelensky paid tribute to King Charles, noting his RAF background, saying: “The King was an air force pilot, and In Ukraine every air force pilot is a King."

This message, and the call for fighter jets to be sent to Ukraine has been echoed by the country's Ministry of Defence.


05:03 PM

Macron to host Zelensky in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron will host a meeting in Paris later this evening with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the French Presidency has announced.

Futher details were not immediately available.

On Thursday, Zelensky is expected to travel to Brussels, where leaders of EU countries are gathering for a summit.


04:56 PM

Sir Roger Gale meets Zelensky

A veteran Tory MP has said it was a "huge, huge privilege" to shake the hand of Volodymyr Zelensky - one of his four "political heroes" - following the Ukrainian President's historic address in Westminster Hall, writes political correspondent, Amy Gibbons.

Sir Roger Gale said Mr Zelensky's "hugely moving", "compelling" and "clever" speech was one of two that stood out to him from his near 40-year parliamentary career - crediting the other to Nelson Mandela.

The senior backbencher, who said he has been "fighting the Russians for 50 years", met Mr Zelensky in his current capacity as acting deputy speaker of the House of Commons.

The Ukrainian leader has become his "fourth hero" in politics, alongside Imre Nagy, Alexander Dubček and Václav Havel.

"I shook his hand and wished him good luck," he told The Telegraph.

He said he also allowed himself the "liberty" of squeezing the president's arm, adding: "What can you say in 30 seconds? I just want the guy to know how very much we're on his side."


04:48 PM

Truss praises Zelensky

Former prime minister Liz Truss, who was a vocal backer of Ukraine during her brief tenure, said it was a "privilege" to listen to Mr Zelensky.

"His courage in the face of Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine is an inspiration as we remain steadfast in our support for the Ukrainian people. As he said: 'Freedom will win'."

Ms truss did not visit Ukraine during her short time as Prime Minister, and was not singled out for praise by Mr Zelensky, unlike Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, who have both been to Kyiv.

Liz Truss and Volodymyr Zelensky at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, in November 2021 - Alastair Grant/PA
Liz Truss and Volodymyr Zelensky at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, in November 2021 - Alastair Grant/PA

04:36 PM

Russian disinformation 'gaining traction'

Disinformation spread by Russia during their invasion of Ukraine is "gaining traction" but is "low quality activity", western officials have said.

According to new research, content justifying the war produced by disinformation outlets on Facebook has been viewed "more than 1.2 billion times globally".

One official said messages sent by Russia to the Ukrainian people in an attempt to "break the will to resist" had "absolutely failed on every conceivable measure" as well as only managing a "moderate performance" in its primary goal of "regime security" in their own country.

This illustration photo taken on January 30, 2023 shows a phone screen displaying a statement from the head of security policy at META with a fake video (R) of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling on his soldiers to lay down their weapons shown in the background - OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images
This illustration photo taken on January 30, 2023 shows a phone screen displaying a statement from the head of security policy at META with a fake video (R) of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling on his soldiers to lay down their weapons shown in the background - OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

Addressing the use of disinformation tactics by Russia, the official said: "Some of it is gaining traction, and it's designed to distract audiences from the truth from the atrocities that are taking place in Ukraine and also to fuel conspiracy theories.

"Researchers found 50 pages affiliated with state and non-state actors across the Middle East in North Africa spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda, generating more than 705 million views.

"Now whilst this is a lot of activity, again, I have to state this is low-quality activity."


04:17 PM

Britain investigates what fighter jets it could send to Ukraine after Zelensky plea

Rishi Sunak has ordered the ministry of defence to “investigate” what fighter jets Britain may be able to send to Ukraine, write Joe Barnes and Jamie Johnson.

“The Prime Minister has tasked the Defence Secretary with investigating what jets we might be able to give but, to be clear, this is a long-term solution rather than a short-term capability, which is what Ukraine needs most now,” said a Number 10 spokesman.

It comes after Volodymyr Zelensky urged Britain to provide Ukraine with fighter jets in an impassioned speech to MPs in Westminster.

Read the full story here.


04:04 PM

US has questions to answer over Nord Stream explosions, says Russia

Russia's foreign ministry on Wednesday said the United States had questions to answer over its role in explosions on the undersea Nord Stream gas pipelines last year.

Commenting on a report published earlier on Wednesday that said the United States was involved in the explosions, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the White House to comment on the "facts" that had been presented.


04:02 PM

Zelensky thanks King Charles for Britain's support for Ukrainian refugees

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the King for his country's support for Ukrainian refugees during their meeting.

"I am grateful to His Majesty for the warm welcome and for supporting Ukrainian citizens who have taken refuge from the war in the United Kingdom," Mr Zelensky said on Telegram.

King Charles and Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace - AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
King Charles and Volodymyr Zelensky at Buckingham Palace - AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

03:52 PM

Zelensky tells King Charles it is a 'great honour' to be invited to Buckingham Palace

The King told Volodymyr Zelensky he was delighted to welcome him to Buckingham Palace.

The Ukrainian President replied that it was "a great honour to be here," adding: "Thank you for finding the time for me."

The King said: "We've all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can't tell you."

They sat in the 1844 Room for 30 minutes of conversation about the continuing conflict in Ukraine, and the part Britain has played in supporting the nation.

Tea was served.

Further representatives from Ukraine were then welcomed into the room for an introduction and informal conversation with the King and a chance to have pictures taken individually.

The Ukrainian party then departed through the Grand Entrance, Buckingham Palace said.


03:49 PM

First battalion of Leopard 2 tanks could reach Ukraine in March or April, says Germany

Western partners could deliver the first battalion of Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine in the first three or four months of this year, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said during a trip to the Polish capital on Wednesday.

"We could deliver at least one battalion in the first four months of this year - three months maybe - and then we need to proceed as fast as possible of course," Mr Pistorius said, adding that a battalion would consist of about 31 tanks.


03:41 PM

Watch Zelensky's speech to Parliament in full


03:31 PM

Downing Street: No decision made on whether to send jets to Ukraine

Downing Street has stressed that no decision has been taken on whether to send British jets to Ukraine, after Volodymyr Zelensky's address to Parliament.

"I think you can see from the steps that we are taking that we are willing to put Ukraine in the position where, once we have reached the goals of training pilots, they are able to fly these type of jets," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

"What we have not made a decision on is whether we send UK fighter jets. Obviously there is an ongoing discussion among other countries about their own fighter jets, some of which are more akin to what Ukrainian pilots are used to."

But the supply of British planes is being "actively" considered by Ben Wallace, the spokesman said.

"We've confirmed there will be a training programme for Ukrainian pilots and the Defence Secretary is actively looking at whether we send jets."


03:19 PM

UK hoping to receive the first Ukrainian pilots for training in the spring

Downing Street said the UK was hoping to receive the first Ukrainian pilots in the spring, but would not give a specific date.

"Obviously we want it to start as soon as possible," the Prime Minister's spokesman said, but Downing Street stressed that it would be a long-term process.

"I think we are keen to do whatever is possible to get these pilots trained up as fast as possible. But these are complex pieces of military equipment. And as you know the current training period for UK pilots is around five years.

"We think this is right to provide both short-term equipment like Challenger tanks, additional guns, longer-range capabilities that can help win the war now, but also look to the medium-to-long term to ensure Ukraine has every possible capability it requires.

"The Prime Minister has tasked the Defence Secretary with investigating what jets we might be able to give but, to be clear, this is a long-term solution rather than a short-term capability, which is what Ukraine needs most now."


03:01 PM

Boris Johnson urges Rishi Sunak to send jets and more tanks to Ukraine

Former prime minister Boris Johnson urged Rishi Sunak to supply Ukraine with jets and more tanks.
He said: "It is time to give the Ukrainians the extra equipment they need to defeat Putin and to restore peace to Ukraine.

"That means longer range missiles and artillery. It means more tanks. It means planes.

"We have more than 100 Typhoon jets. We have more than 100 Challenger 2 tanks.

"The best single use for any of these items is to deploy them now for the protection of the Ukrainians - not least because that is how we guarantee our own long-term security."


02:55 PM

Scholz to meet Zelensky in Paris

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, is flying to Paris to meet Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron, according to German government sources.

The French President will host the meeting between the three leaders in the French capital on Wednesday, the French presidency said.


02:47 PM

Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky meets King Charles

Mr Zelensky was dressed in his trademark khaki green military fatigues as he was welcomed to the royal residence on Wednesday afternoon.

Charles greeted the president with wide smile and a warm handshake in the Palace's 1844 Room.

King Charles welcomed Mr Zelensky to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon - Aaron Chown/PA
King Charles welcomed Mr Zelensky to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon - Aaron Chown/PA

02:45 PM

Sending Typhoon jets to Ukraine should not be an issue, says Boris Johnson

Supplying Typhoon jets to Ukraine would require the support of Germany, Italy and Spain, the other countries involved in its development, but he insisted that should not be an issue, Boris Johnson has said.

"Today's investment in helping Ukraine will avert instability and chaos for years to come," Mr Johnson said. "By helping Ukraine to push back (Vladimir) Putin, we can make our world safer - and above all, save an innocent country from destruction.

"It is true that the Typhoon is a four-nation plane and that we require the approval of allies for export. But there is no reason to think that Germany or others should oppose our decision - these are UK planes.

"In the year since Putin's barbaric invasion, we have learnt that he fears nothing except the heroism of the Ukrainians and western willingness to give them the tools they need.

"Every time we have stepped up with more military support the Ukrainians have responded and turned the tide of war. Now is the time to give them exactly what they need to finish the job."


02:33 PM

Watch: Highlights from Zelensky's address to Parliament


02:25 PM

Zelensky to visit Paris this evening

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected in Paris on Wednesday evening, the French presidency said, after his visit to the United Kingdom.

EU officials are then hoping he will head to Brussels on Thursday to meet European leaders in a largely symbolic but nevertheless keenly anticipated visit after months of European support for Ukraine.


02:24 PM

Zelensky arrives at Buckingham Palace

Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived at Buckingham Palace for an audience with the King.

The Ukrainian President used his speech to praise the King's support for his country, referring to the monarch's own air force training to tell parliamentarians that in his country every pilot is a "king".

In his address, Mr Zelensky looked forward to his meeting with Charles and said he expected it to be an "honour".

"It will be a truly special moment for me, for our country, and in particular because I will convey to him from all the Ukrainians the words of gratitude for the support His Majesty showed to them when he was still the Prince of Wales," Mr Zelensky said.


02:16 PM

Pictured: Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelensky drink tea in No 10

The Prime Minister and his Ukrainian counterpart shared a pot of tea when they met at Downing Street - No10 Downing Street
The Prime Minister and his Ukrainian counterpart shared a pot of tea when they met at Downing Street - No10 Downing Street

02:10 PM

Zelensky's speech lights up Westminster Hall

MPs, peers, parliamentary staff and journalists were crammed into Westminster Hall for the big speech just now, many huddled in winter coats with the temperature in the single digits, writes Ben Riley-Smith, Political Editor.

Throughout President Zelensky’s address there were shouts of “Slava Ukraini!”, not least when the Ukrainian leader vowed that Russia would, in the end, be defeated.

There was praise by name given to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak in the address, but not Liz Truss, who was prime minister for 49 days between the other two Tories.

After the speech Mr Zelensky, who had addressed the room before a vast stained glass window glowing up with winter sunlight, stepped forward to shake hands from some of the crowd.

Ms Truss and Mr Johnson were both in the front row, as recent occupants of Number 10, and got the chance to chat briefly with President Zelensky before he departed.


01:59 PM

Pictured: Zelensky presents Lindsay Hoyle with Ukrainian fighter pilot's helmet

The message on the helmet read: "We have freedom, gives us wings to protect it" - Sky News
The message on the helmet read: "We have freedom, gives us wings to protect it" - Sky News

01:54 PM

Cleverly: UK backing Ukraine until victory

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK is "backing Ukraine until they are victorious" after watching Volodymyr Zelensky's address.

"What a powerful speech from President (Zelensky)," he tweeted. "We are backing Ukraine until they are victorious. Freedom will win."


01:41 PM

Zelensky: The battle against 'evil' continues

Volodymyr Zelensky warned that "evil" was still present in his country and it needed to fight on.

He said: "Evil is still around around today and the battle continues. Yes, we know how it's going to end and how we are going to feel on the day victory comes. Every day we continue to pay with lives.

"Pain and tears for bringing victory closer, with the lives of our people, our heroes, whom we lose in battles, with the lives of our heroes who take life and death risks every day to save as many of our soldiers and civilians as possible."


01:40 PM

Listen to our Ukraine: The Latest podcast

A reminder that today's episode of Ukraine: The Latest will begin live on Twitter shortly.


01:35 PM

'God bless the United Kingdom and long live the King'

Volodymyr Zelensky finished his address to Parliament with a plea for modern warplanes to help fight against Russia's invasion.

Mr Zelensky said he wanted a coalition of nations to supply planes.

He told MPs: "I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words: combat aircraft for Ukraine, wings for freedom."


01:31 PM

Victory for Ukraine will deter other aggressors, says Zelensky

A Ukrainian victory against Russia will deter aggressors around the world, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

He told parliamentarians gathered in Westminster Hall: "We know freedom will win. We know Russia will lose.

"And we really know that the victory will change the world and this will be a change that the world has long needed.

"The United Kingdom is marching with us towards the most, I think, the most important victory of our lifetime. It will be a victory over the very idea of the war.

"After we win together, any aggressor, it doesn't matter big or small, will know what awaits him if he attacks international order...

"Any aggressor is going to lose."


01:28 PM

'Give us wings': Zelensky urges allies to send fighter jets to Ukraine

The Ukrainian President has again urges Ukraine's western allies to send it warplanes.

"Today, every air force pilot is a King," he said, referring to his upcoming meeting with King Charles.

He presented Lindsay Hoyle with a Ukrainian pilot's helmet.

On the helmet was written: "We have freedom, gives us wings to protect it."


01:25 PM

Zelensky hails the 'strong British character'

Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the "strong British character" that had been shown in response to the Russian invasion.

He told Parliament: "You didn't compromise Ukraine and hence you didn't compromise your ideals and thus you didn't compromise the spirit of these great islands.

"Thank you very much."


01:24 PM

'Thank you, Rishi'

Long-range missiles will "allow us to make the evil completely retreat from our country," says Zelensky, as he thanks the Prime Minister.

He adds that he is grateful for Britain sending tanks. "Thank you Rishi, for this powerful defensive step, for tanks."


01:20 PM

Zelensky thanks Boris

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked former prime minister Boris Johnson for the support he showed as Russia launched its invasion.

The Ukrainian president said: "London has stood with Kyiv since day one, from the first seconds and minutes of the full-scale war, Great Britain you extended your helping hand when the world had not yet come to understand how to react.

"Boris: you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible. Thank you."

Boris listens to Zelensky
Boris listens to Zelensky

01:18 PM

'Aggressor is going to lose'

Zelensky says that what awaits is "the most important victory in our lifetime, a victory of the very idea of war."

He added that Putin will know what waits him and that "any aggressor is going to lose".


01:12 PM

Zelensky describes sitting in Churchill's armchair

Volodymyr Zelensky is recounting a time he visited the War Rooms beneath Whitehall, where Winston Churchill led Britain through the Second World War.


01:09 PM

Zelensky: I stand before you on behalf of the brave

"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."

Mr Zelensky begins his address to Parliament - Sky News
Mr Zelensky begins his address to Parliament - Sky News

01:08 PM

Volodymyr Zelensky has begun speaking

The Ukrainian President has begun speaking after another round of cheers and applause.


01:05 PM

Lindsay Hoyle is introducing the Ukrainian President

The Speaker of the House of Commons is introducing Volodymyr Zelensky, thanking him for speaking to Parliament during the first weeks of the war.

"The war, as you know better than any of us, has lasted for almost a year," he said.

"As you told us last year, this is a war Ukraine did not start," he added.


01:02 PM

Thunderous applause greets Zelensky as he arrives

Ukraine’s President has arrived in Westminster hall to address Parliament as part of his first trip to the UK since the war began.

Volodymyr Zelensky smiled as he walked past the crowds, before taking the stage to loud cheers.


12:54 PM

Westminster Hall full as Parliament prepares for Zelensky's address

Sunlight is streaming through the stained glass windows of Westminster hall, where Volodymyr Zelensky is about to address MPs.

Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer can be seen in the front row as they await the Ukrainian President's arrival.


12:40 PM

Sunak hopeful first indictments over Russia's invasion will come soon

Speaking in Parliament, Rishi Sunak said he is hopeful of seeing the first International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments linked to Russia's renewed invasion of Ukraine "very shortly".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked Mr Sunak if he agreed that "Putin and all his cronies must stand at The Hague and face justice" once the war is over.

Mr Sunak replied: "He's absolutely right that we must hold those to account for the horrific crimes that they have committed.

"I'm proud the United Kingdom has played, again, a leadership role in this regard being one of the first countries to provide financial and technical support, putting investigators on the ground, we're shortly to be hosting a conference together with the Dutch.

"And also one of the things I discussed with President Zelensky this morning is our support for the work of the ICC where, thanks to the efforts of UK members, I'm hopeful we will see the first indictments very shortly."


12:33 PM

Putin approved supply of missiles that shot down MH17 in 2014, investigators say

The team investigating the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 by a missile has convincing evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally signed off on a decision to allow the Russian missile system into Ukraine, Dutch prosecutors have said.

The BUK-TELAR missile system was used to shot down MH17 on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, investigators said.

However, they said the evidence was not enough to lead to prosecution.


12:21 PM

UK supporting Ukraine to ensure victory 'this year'

Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, told parliament the UK would continue "to support Ukraine to ensure decisive military victory on the battlefield, this year".

"(Russian President) Vladimir Putin's aggression cannot be seen in any way to have been successful and that's why we have accelerated and increased our support militarily for Ukraine," Sunak said ahead of an address to parliament by visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.


12:20 PM

Boris Johnson welcomes Zelensky back to the UK


12:16 PM

Rishi Sunak: 'We came together to stand by Ukraine'

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has said that the country and Commons can be "proud that we came together to stand by Ukraine when the moment mattered".

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said: "This House is honoured to be addressed today by President Zelensky. From the outset of the war he has symbolised the heroism, the resolve, and the bravery of his people.

"The Prime Minister and I joined this House together in 2015. We've lived through important moments in our domestic and international politics. But none of those experiences compares to the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine.

"Does the Prime Minister agree with me that right across this House it is vital that we all continue to stand together in full support of Ukraine?"

Mr Sunak responded: "Can I thank the honourable gentleman for his comments on Ukraine.

"It's something that not only the whole country can be proud of, but the entire House can be proud that we came together to stand by Ukraine when the moment mattered, and that we will continue to stand with them, united, as one Parliament and one United Kingdom."


12:14 PM

Watch: Rishi Sunak greets Zelensky as he arrives in UK for surprise visit


12:08 PM

Rishi Sunak: I am delighted that Zelensky is here

Opening Prime Minister's Questions, Rishi Sunak told MPs: "I am delighted that President Zelensky is here in the United Kingdom today.

"It is a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries and I am proud that we are expanding the training for Ukrainian forces to include jet pilots and marines, and ensure that Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests today and in to the future."


12:07 PM

Pictured: Volodymr Zelensky with Rishi Sunak

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside 10 Downing Street, London, ahead of a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - Jonathan Brady/PA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside 10 Downing Street, London, ahead of a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - Jonathan Brady/PA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inside 10 Downing Street with Rishi Sunak - Screengrab from SKY NEWS/Screengrab from SKY NEWS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inside 10 Downing Street with Rishi Sunak - Screengrab from SKY NEWS/Screengrab from SKY NEWS

11:56 AM

Applause for Zelensky as he enters No 10

Volodymyr Zelensky was met with applause as he stepped into No 10 with Rishi Sunak, writes Amy Gibbons.

The Ukrainian President shared a warm handshake with the Prime Minister as the pair met for talks in a bright and chilly Downing Street.

The Ukrainian President nodded and waved at a packed press pen from the steps of No 10.

The leaders shared a few words as they walked up the street together, having met for a brief exchange when Mr Zelensky’s plane touched down at Stansted.

The meeting kicks off Mr Zelensky’s first visit to the UK since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine nearly a year ago.


11:53 AM

Ukraine: The Latest

Please note that today's episode of our Ukraine: The Latest podcast will be broadcast live on Twitter at the later time of 1.30pm to allow our hosts and guests to discuss Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the UK.

You can come back to this liveblog to listen live.

On today's episode, host David Knowles will be joined by Camilla Tominey, Associate Editor, Francis Dearnley, Assistant Comment Editor, and former British Army Colonel Hamish De Bretton-Gordon.


11:47 AM

Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed to 10 Downing Street by Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak waves to onlookers as he welcomes Ukraine's President to No 10 - Victoria Jones/PA
Rishi Sunak waves to onlookers as he welcomes Ukraine's President to No 10 - Victoria Jones/PA
The Ukrainian President earlier said he would thank the British people for their support - Victoria Jones/PA
The Ukrainian President earlier said he would thank the British people for their support - Victoria Jones/PA

11:40 AM

Zelensky hails Britain as 'one of the first to come to Ukraine's aid'

Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is in Britain to thank the UK for supporting Ukraine.

"The United Kingdom was one of the first to come to Ukraine's aid. And today I'm in London to personally thank the British people for their support and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his leadership," he said n a message on his Telegram channel.


11:37 AM

Zelensky arrives at No 10

Rishi Sunak has welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street - Sky News
Rishi Sunak has welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street - Sky News
The Prime Minister and the President will discuss military aid to Ukraine - Sky News
The Prime Minister and the President will discuss military aid to Ukraine - Sky News

11:26 AM

Red carpet rolled out for Zelensky at No 10

The Ukrainian President is on his way to Downing Street for talks with Rishi Sunak - Sky News
The Ukrainian President is on his way to Downing Street for talks with Rishi Sunak - Sky News

11:18 AM

New sanctions will 'undermine Putin's war machine, says Cleverly

The government has announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, said the new sanctions on organisations that Russian President Vladimir Putin's military relied on would "accelerate the economic pressure on Putin - undermining his war machine to help Ukraine prevail".


11:09 AM

How Britain could train Ukrainian fighter pilots

Downing Street has announced that Britain will expand its training programme and help train Ukrainians to fly Nato-standard fighter jets.

Defence analysts have cautioned that this is unlikely to involve Ukrainian pilots learning to fly British Typhoon jet fighters.

Instead, the training will likely be centres around Nato tactics and cockpit procedures, according to Justin Bronk, of the Royal United Services Institute.

Writing on Twitter, he said training would likely involve simulators and would help "speed up later conversion" to F-16 and Gripen fighters.


10:58 AM

Zelensky en route to London

Volodymyr Zelensky has left Stansted airport, where the Prime Minister welcomed him to Britain at the start of his visit.

Sky News and BBC images showed his motorcade the airport and heading toward the capital.

Mr Zelensky is heading towards London - Sky News
Mr Zelensky is heading towards London - Sky News

10:36 AM

Zelensky to meet the King at Buckingham Palace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet the King at Buckingham Palace this afternoon, royal aides have confirmed, writes Victoria Ward, our Royal Editor.

The Royal family have been vocal supporters of Ukraine’s plight.

Last March, during a visit to Southend-on-Sea, Essex, following the killing of local MP Sir David Amess, Charles, then Prince of Wales, said he has been deeply moved by the bravery of Ukrainians faced with "terrible aggression" from Russia.

He said: "What we saw in the terrible tragedy in Southend was an attack on democracy, on an open society, on freedom itself," the Prince of Wales said. "We are seeing those same values under attack today in Ukraine in the most unconscionable way. In the stand we take here, we are in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression."

Later that week, both he and Camilla, now Queen Consort, visited the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London, as Russian attacks on key cities intensified.

The King told how he and his wife had been moved by all they had heard on their visit and "above all by the extraordinary bravery, generosity and fortitude of the Ukrainian community in the face of such truly terrible aggression".

It comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales  met Mr Zelensky and his wife, First Lady Olena Zelensky, at the palace in October 2020.


10:33 AM

Zelensky lands at Stansted at start of UK visit

A Royal Air Force C-17 carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has landed at Stansted airport.

The C-1 7 that carried Volodymyr Zelensky on the tarmac at Stansted airport - BBC
The C-1 7 that carried Volodymyr Zelensky on the tarmac at Stansted airport - BBC

10:29 AM

Russian prisoners threatened with fresh criminal cases for refusing to join Wagner

Inmates in Russian prisons who refuse to join the notorious Wagner mercenary group are being threatened with fresh criminal charges, lawyers have warned.

“The operatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the FSB arrive, promise to raise old cases - 10-20 years old - for which the statute of limitations has already passed,” lawyer Yana Gelmel told Russia’s Proekt news site.

The threats of legal action are meant to “scare” the prisoners into signing up with the mercenaries, the lawyer said.

Visiting officials have also reportedly promised to close the cases of those who choose to go to war.


10:07 AM

Fire breaks out at Russian oil refinery near Ukrainian border

A fire broke out on Wednesday at an oil refinery in Russia's southern Rostov region near the border with Ukraine and was later extinguished, state media reported.

"In Rostov Region, Novoshakhtinsk city ... a message was received at 10.24am Moscow time about a fire on the territory of an oil products processing plant," the ministry said.

The fire broke out over an area of about 100 square metres and was extinguished around an hour later, Interfax news agency reported, adding that the small refinery belonged to a company called Resource LLC.

Novoshakhtinsk is about 6 miles from the Ukrainian border. Another refinery in Novoshakhtinsk was struck by two drones last June, in what the plant called "terrorist actions from the western border", a reference to Ukraine.

Wednesday's fire was the second in two days to hit a Russian refinery, following an incident on Tuesday at a Lukoil unit in Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.


09:37 AM

Russian group suspected of hacking SNP politician’s emails

Former Scottish National Party defence spokesman Stewart McDonald has said his private emails were hacked after he fell for a phishing scam.

Mr McDonald said he was worried his emails would be published after he clicked on a document and entered his password.

In January, McDonald opened an email that appeared to be from a member of his staff and accessed a password protected document said to be a military update about Ukraine, he told the BBC. He later discovered the member of staff had not sent the email.

"In going public I want to raise awareness and urge people to be extra vigilant," Mr McDonald said on Twitter. "Those wanting to steal that data are becoming more sophisticated and more aggressive."

News of the hack follows a warning from Britain's National Cyber Security Centre on January 26 that Russia and Iran-based groups were targeting politicians, journalists, academics and defence experts to extract sensitive information from what is known as a "spear-phishing" campaign.


09:20 AM

Britain to announce fresh sanctions on Putin's allies

Britain will also set out further sanctions on Russia later today to target allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The new sanctions will hit those who helped Me Putin "build his personal wealth, and companies who are profiting from the Kremlin’s war machine", Downing Street said in a statement.


09:15 AM

Ministry of Defence daily intelligence update

The MoD has published its daily intelligence update, describing ongoing skirmishes over key islands along the Dnipro river.


09:14 AM

Britain to train Ukrainians to become fighter pilots

Downing Street has announced plans to expand training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to sea and air - including fighter jet pilots and marines - and accelerate the supply of military equipment.

The training would ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard fighter jets in the future, it said in a statement.

Calls to send Ukraine Western-made fighter jets like the F-16 have intensified in recent weeks, after Ukraine's pleas for main battle tanks were answered.


09:14 AM

Zelensky's visit 'a testament to his country's courage', says Sunak

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has hailed Volodmyr Zelensky's surprise trip the UK.

“President Zelensky’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries," he said in a statement.

“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.

“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future. It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”


09:14 AM

Zelensky to meet UK defence chiefs

During his visit to the UK, Mr Zelensky will also meet British defence and security chiefs to discuss details of the expanded training programme.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce that Britain will begin training Ukrainian marines immediately.

That training will be in addition to the existing programme which has seen 10,000 Ukrainian troops trained for battle in the last six months.


09:13 AM

Volodymyr Zelensky heading to Britain for surprise visit

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, is travelling to the UK for the first time since Russia's invasion began.

The Ukrainian leader will address parliament and meet Rishi Sunak at Downing Street.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce that Britain will send Ukraine longer-range weapons.

Mr Sunak will also unveil an expanded training programme for Ukrainian troops, including training Ukrainians to become fighter pilots.


09:13 AM

Biden promises steadfast support for Ukraine

Joe Biden has promised that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to fight off the Russian invasion.

"We're going to stand with you, as long as it takes. Our nation is working for more freedom, more dignity, more peace - not just in Europe, but everywhere," Mr Biden said, addressing Ukraine's ambassador to Washington, Oksana Markarova, who was in attendance at the president's State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.