DAILY MAIL COMMENT: No half measures on arming Kyiv, PM trends now
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Too often obsessed with petty rivalries and mundane point-scoring, our parliamentarians were humbled yesterday by a leader whose nation is in genuine existential crisis.
Volodymyr Zelensky's moving oration was a lesson in dignity, courage and national pride. And it sent this heartfelt message to the whole of the civilised world: Ukraine's struggle is your struggle.
Beneath the ancient beams of Westminster Hall, he warned MPs and peers that for all the heroism of its military, if Ukraine falls, an emboldened Vladimir Putin will turn his attentions to other nations in his mission to reconstitute the Soviet Union by force.
In his passionate address, he praised Britain for its support from the 'first seconds of war'. And he singled out Boris Johnson for uniting the West behind Ukraine.
Britain and the West should be straining every sinew to give Mr Zelensky everything he needs
Comparing his country's struggle against tyranny to Britain's stand against Hitler, Mr Zelensky said: 'Freedom will win.'
We hope and trust it will. But without help from democracy-loving allies, the grim truth is that his forces will eventually succumb to superior Russian numbers.
He is crying out for fighter jets not only to force the Russians back, but also to protect Western tanks, as well as troops, civilians and infrastructure. 'We have freedom,' he said. 'Give us wings to protect it.'
Rishi Sunak insists nothing is off the table. But so far the PM has announced only that we will train Ukrainian pilots.
Britain and the West should be straining
