BORIS Johnson was today hailed by President Zelensky for backing Ukraine “from the first second” of Putin’s evil invasion.
The Ukrainian leader singled out the ex-PM as he addressed MPs in Westminster during an historic visit to Britain.
Boris Johnson in Westminster Hall today
President Zelensky addresses parliamentarians in Westminster Hall
Mr Johnson – one of Zelensky’s closest pals on the world stage – smiled as he was praised for standing up to Russia.
President Zelensky said: “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 impossible – thank you.
“You showed your strong British character back then You didn’t compromise Ukraine and ideals.”
Since leaving Downing Street in September, Mr Johnson has continued to champion Ukraine’s independence fight and has even gone back to Kyiv.
In recent weeks he has been urging Rishi Sunak to send fighter jets to help beat Putin in the air.
President Zelensky repeated that plea in his hugely moving address today – urging: “We have freedom, give us the wings to protect it.”
In the grand Westminster Hall, Ukraine’s hero President was met with a thunderous applause.
The war leader said: “We will always come out on top of evil. This lies at the core of of our, but also your, traditions.
“We know Russia will lose. 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 to the most important victory is our lifetime.
“Any aggressor who tries to push the boundaries by force, who tries to inflict destruction and death on other peoples, who try to endure dictatorship at the at the expense of other people’s blood in criminal and unprovoked wars… any aggressor is going to lose.
“There must be justice. Anyone who invests in terror must be held accountable.
“Anyone, anyone who invests in violence must compensate those who have suffered from terror.”
