The UK together with Ukraine is bringing the era of peace closer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address to parliament.
As the head of state noted, on October 8, 2020, Ukraine and Great Britain became strategic partners, and in 10 weeks of full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the countries went from partners to friends and brothers.
"February 24, 2022 proved: our partnership is not on paper. Our partnership is on the battlefield. The battle for common ideals and a common future ... These almost 10 weeks proved: it is not scary to have an evil enemy against you if you have a good friend beside you. A good friend like Britain and Boris Johnson. And these words are not flattery, not courtesy, this is reality", - stressed Zelensky.
According to him, Ukraine and Britain together every day for one moment - the first second of victory and the coming of an era of peace.
"We are together. Every day. We are in touch. Every day. If we do not have a conversation today - it means: we are busy with what we agreed during the conversation yesterday. And so for about ten weeks. For one moment. The first second of victory. And for one era. An era where peace reigns. In Ukraine, and therefore in Europe. I thank Great Britain, which brings this moment and era together with us. Who is ready to become a guarantor of our security," the president added.
At the same time, Zelensky stressed that his gratitude was not formal, as he was sure that Britain's guarantees would not be formal either.
He thanked Great Britain and Prime Minister Boris Johnson personally for supplying weapons and equipment, assistance to Ukrainian displaced people, assistance in the investigation of war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine, macro-financial assistance provided, intention to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Kiev and the Kiev Region and sanctions imposed against Russia.
The head of state also thanked Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, English musical ensembles and all the people for their support.
