The Prime Minister praised Mr Zelenskyy as he presented him with the Sir Winston Churchill Leadership Award. The country’s ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, was in London to accept the honor on behalf of his president, while Mr Zelenskyy listened to the ceremony virtually. Johnson said that as the Russian military offensive unfolded in February at a “moment of supreme crisis”, Zelensky faced a test of leadership that was “as serious as Churchill’s challenge in 1940” during World War II. Putin’s invasion was “significantly undermined” by a key weapon – the latest updates Image: Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined Boris Johnson via video link from Kyiv The prime minister pointed out that Zelensky chose to stay in the capital Kyiv, like Churchill in London in 1940, while the Nazis invaded France. Speaking about the early part of the war in Ukraine, Mr Johnson said: “I think Churchill would have cheered – and probably wept too – because he was often moved to tears by the sheer courage, the moral physical courage that you showed in that’s all. gloomy weeks. The prime minister added: “Never in my lifetime in international affairs has there been a clearer case of right versus wrong.” He continued: “The global wave of solidarity for Ukraine was created, in large part, by the articulation of purpose. “Your defiance, your dignity, your endless good humor, touched millions. “As you stand against barbarism, you have become a symbol of the heroism of the Ukrainian people.” Image: Ambassador of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko received the award on behalf of his president Comparing Zelensky to Churchill, Mr Johnson said: “I can imagine his spirit walking with you, silently exhorting you, encouraging you in every trial, punching the road ahead with his cane. “And perhaps I admire your wonderful disregard for danger. I think he understood something.” “You were called to give the roar… and you gave it magnificently” He added: “Like Churchill, you have understood that you yourself are not the lion. The Ukrainian people are the lion. You have been called to give the roar. The roar of freedom against tyranny, of good against evil, of light against in the dark, and you rendered that roar admirably.’ In response, Mr Zelenskyy said he was “honoured to receive this leadership award”. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:46 June: Boris Johnson travels to Kyiv again He also echoed Churchill when he said in May 1945 after the end of World War II that “it is not a victory for one party or any class. It is a victory for the great British nation as a whole.” Zelensky said the award “reflects not only my efforts,” as he praised the bravery of thousands of Ukrainian men and women fighting against Russian forces. Read more: ‘No clue’ Ukrainian warship hit in harbor by Russian missiles – British intelligence Mothers and wives of missing Russian servicemen face relentless battle for answers Mr Zelenskyy said: “The award would have been impossible if the entire Ukrainian people had not risen up to defend their freedom against the onslaught of tyranny, trying to send us back to the worst reality of the 20th century, which was then defeated due to Churchill factor in particular’. The president also praised Mr Johnson for his support militarily “in the darkest moments … not thinking of giving up the fight”, saying: “This award is yours too Boris. This is the manifestation of our joint leadership of Ukrainians and Britons and all those who will not give their freedom to any tyrant.”
