Zelensky pushes for fighter jets in his visit to the U.K

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise speech Wednesday before the U.K. Parliament urged allies to send combat fighter jets to his country in its fight against the Russia invasion – calling them "wings for freedom."

Zelensky also thanked the British people for their unwavering support since invasion that is now almost exactly a year old. 

Zelensky's visit marks his second foreign trip since Russia invaded Feb, 24, 2022, with his first visit being to the U.S in December. His trip comes as Ukraine braces for a renewed Russian offensive and marks another plea by Zelensky to Western allies for more assistance in his country's effort to keep from falling into Russian control.

Allies were formerly resistant to sending advanced fighter jets to Ukraine because they don’t want to partake in escalating the war, and the jets are complex to fly.

Zelensky in his visit and speech sought to address and alleviate such reluctancy.

"Freedom will win – we know Russia will lose," Zelensky said before hundreds of lawmakers and parliamentary staff in the historic Westminster Hall. 

To drive in his request, Zelensky gifted the speaker of the House of Commons a Ukrainian air force helmet that had the inscription “ We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it."

The U.K previously said it wasn’t practical to bring British warplanes to Ukraine, but the government's stance might be wavering, saying Wednesday it would train Ukrainian pilots to use "NATO-standard fighter jets."

He thanked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and predecessor Boris Johnson, who vocally backed Ukraine during his time in office. 

“Boris, you got others united when it seemed absolutely impossible,” Zelensky also said.

The U.K has sent Ukraine more than $2.5 billion in weapons and equipment. Britain has trained over 10,000 Ukrainian troops on the Challenger 2 tanks they are sending. Britain plans to train 20,000 more troops in 2023. 

Zelensky arrived in London on Wednesday and spoke with the prime minister at 10 Downing St., before heading to Parliament. He is expected to speak later with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.