Don't forget Ukraine 'tragedy' this Christmas, country's First Lady says
People should not forget the war in Ukraine this Christmas, the country's First Lady has said ahead of a speech to MPs today.
Olena Zelenska is expected to address MPs and peers today during her visit to London, days after Rishi Sunak made his first visit as Prime Minister to Kyiv to meet Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Zelenska will urge the British public not to forget the "tragedy" of the Russian invasion amid the festive season.
"It's not just a war for our freedom and our lives"
She also praised the UK's vocal support for the Ukrainian resistance efforts against Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces, as the country prepares for winter.
She told the programme: "We feel that [strong support] by the aid for our forcefully displaced people, by the political and financial assistance and by humanitarian aid we are receiving from the British.
"Ukrainians are very tired of this war, but we have no choice in the matter. We are fighting for our very lives. The British public does have a choice. They can get used to our tragedy, concentrate on their own important things in life.
"My message for the British is as follows: It's not just a war for our freedom and our lives.
"This is the war of opposing world views, the war for the values. It's important that these are preserved. This is a fight for the truth and human values."
"We do hope that the approaching season of Christmas doesn't make you forget about our tragedy and get used to our suffering."
Ms Zelenska visited Downing Street and met the prime minister's wife, Akshata Murty.
Ms Murty welcomed Ms Zelenska on the pavement outside No 10 amid a heavy security presence as the pair exchanged a hug before walking inside the building.
The Ukrainian first lady is expected to address MPs and peers later today as part of her visit.
In a Tweet, she said: "Had an honor of meeting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy personally.
"Talked with her a lot about the education of children and our book projects. Invited by Ms Murthy to join the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and work of Olena Zelenska Foundation.
Ms Zelenska added: "I will never get tired of thanking Great Britain for everything that it is doing for Ukraine. I believe that we have a lot of joint projects ahead of us to overcome the war consequences and recover Ukrainians. Soft power is capable of significant results when we act together."
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