Ukraine's President Zelenskyy to make 'historic address' to British MPs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address British MPs via video link tomorrow.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted Mr Zelenskyy’s request to read a statement to the House of Commons at 5pm GMT on Tuesday.

It is expected he will ask for more arms and will repeat calls for a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which Western leaders have so far denied as it could mean NATO having to shoot down Russian planes.

They fear it would risk a third world war.

Mr Zelenskyy’s speech will come on the 13th day of the war, and after he called humanitarian corridors set up by the Russians from several Ukrainian cities “completely immoral” as most lead to Russia or Belarus.

Key developments:
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russian military action will stop ‘in a moment’ if Ukraine meets its conditions
• Boris Johnson meets foreign leaders to build united front against Vladimir Putin
• Talks between Ukraine and Russia held in Belarus
• Foreign Office minister defends UK’s support for refugees as only ‘around 50’ visas granted so far
• Former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko asks for military aircraft to help fight the Russians

‘Historic address’

Ukraine war: Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns of ‘day of judgement’ for Russia amid fears of further strikes on Ukrainian defence complexes

Ukraine invasion: Zelenskyy warns ‘weak’ NATO will be partly responsible for fatalities as it fails to impose no-fly zone

Ukraine invasion: Russia ‘captures’ Kherson – its first major city – as Mariupol officials say ‘we are being destroyed in genocide’

Announcing Tuesday’s speech, the Speaker said: “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.

“Thanks again to our incredible staff for working at pace to make this historic address possible.”

MPs will watch Mr Zelenskyy’s speech on screens being installed overnight above either side of the Commons’ chamber.

More than 500 headsets will also be made available so MPs can hear a simultaneous translation in English.

They will not be able to ask questions of the Ukrainian president after his speech.

Ukrainian refugees

The British government has been facing criticism after the Home Office revealed on Sunday only around 50 Ukrainian refugees had been granted visas, but Home Secretary Priti Patel said that was “absolutely inaccurate” and she would have an accurate update on Monday night.

It has also been attacked for failing to sanction more Russian oligarchs.

President Zelenskyy’s pleas to other countries

Mr Zelenskyy has been addressing parliamentarians around the world, both privately and publicly, via video from Kyiv since Russia invaded 12 days ago.

He made a “desperate plea” to US Congress members over the weekend for further military aid not currently being supplied by the West, including anti-aircraft missiles, planes and drones.

Last week, he gave an emotional speech to MEPs at the European Parliament as he called on Europe to prove its support for Ukraine by allowing it to join the EU.

“We are fighting for our rights, for our freedoms and now we’re fighting for survival. We are also fighting to be equal members of Europe,” he said over video link.

“Do prove that you are with us. Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you are indeed Europeans. And then, life will win over death and light will win over darkness. Glory be to Ukraine.”

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