President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a historic visit to the UK. For the first time in history since the renewal of Ukraine's independence, the British monarch hosted our president. However, no less significant is the performance at Westminster Hall.
Since the end of World War II, Volodymyr Zelensky is the sixth foreign leader to speak at Westminster Hall. In addition, he is the first Ukrainian president received by the British monarch.
Who spoke at Westminster Hall
The first after World War II in Westminster -Hall before both houses of the British Parliament, the President of France Charles de Gaullein 1960. The next speech took place 36 years later, when South African PresidentNelson Mandela addressed the deputies.
Charles de Gaulle at Westminster Hall/Screenshot
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI spoke at Westminster Hall. In 2011 – President of the United States Barack Obama, and a year later – leader of the Burmese opposition Aung San Suu Kiem.
Barack Obama at Westminster Hall/Screenshot
Thus, Vladimir Zelensky is the sixth foreign leader and politician who had the honor to speak at Westminster Hall over the past 78 years.
Zelensky's speech to British MPs
On the morning of February 8, President Vladimir Zelensky went to the UK. The President's visit became known when the head of state was already on his way to London.
The President was first met by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. After that, the head of state went to Westminster Hall, where he delivered a powerful speech to the British deputies. In particular, Zelensky called for aviation to be provided to Ukraine. By the way, Rishi Sunak's office is already studying issues of providing aircraft to our state.
The President also met with King Charles III, and in the evening Volodymyr Zelensky will probably go to Paris to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the President of France Emmanuel Macron. The media also reported that after that the President will travel to Brussels to address the European Parliament and attend a meeting of the European Council.
