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Topics: Ukraine, Russia, UK News, World News
Daisy Phillipson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly survived more than 12 assassination attempts since the Russian invasion began, and yet he’s remained in Kyiv where he continues to defend his country.
As such, British MPs have proposed giving the 44-year-old comedian-turned-politician a knighthood for his courage, leadership and defiance against Vladimir Putin’s attack.
The Sun reports that MPs of all parties have urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to give the leader the honorary title of Sir Volodymyr.
That includes Conservative MP Bob Seely, who told the outlet: “Zelenskyy has been a true leader. He has given a voice and set an example to his people in their hour of courage.”
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Neil Coyle, an independent politician who met some of Zelenskyy’s team during a trip to Ukraine, said: “Such is the leadership he has offered to Ukraine, he fully deserves the highest honour we can award to a non-UK citizen.
"He magnificently represents our values and we stand squarely by him and Ukraine in their time of need."
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added: “Volodymyr Zelenskyy is such an inspirational leader that Putin has put a price on his head. Let’s give him a knighthood instead.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told the Commons that Zelenskyy ‘exemplified the bravery’ shown by the people of Ukraine.
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He said (via Metro): “I’m sure the whole house would agree President Zelensky should be granted one of our nation’s highest honours, an honorary knighthood.
“I look forward to the day when we welcome back to this house President Zelensky in person.”
Although only British and Commonwealth citizens can earn the title of ‘Sir’, the Queen can award honorary knighthoods to foreign nationals.
Last week (8 March), Zelenskyy made a 'historic address' to British MPs in the House of Commons, where he was met with a standing ovation from Parliament.
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The Ukraine President recalled the past thirteen days of war, detailing the hospitals that had been targeted, the atomic power station being taken over and the loss of civilian life.
“That didn’t break us,” he said, “And that gave us a feeling of big truth. Ukrainians became heroes.”
Zelensky continued: “We will not give up and we will not loose. We will fight to the end at sea and in the air. We will continue fighting for our land, whatever the cost. We will fight in the forests, in the fields, in the streets.”
“We are thankful for this help and I am very grateful to you Boris, please increase pressure of sanctions against this country and please recognise this country as a terrorist state.”
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He finished his speech by asking: “Please make sure you do what needs to be done, and what is stipulated by the greatness of your country.
“Best of all to Ukraine and the United Kingdom.”
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.