Ukrainian experience echoes British suffering during Second World War, country's First Lady says
Olena Zelenska urged the UK to become a leader in helping Ukraine achieve "justice" against Russia as she addressed an audience of MPs and peers.
The speech, in a Parliament committee room, came as part of a visit to London for Ukraine's First Lady as she urged the UK and other allies to seek justice against alleged Russian war crimes.
She said that the Ukrainian experience today has echoes of the British suffering during the Second World War.
"Justice like victory is not possible without allies"
In front of a Union Jack and a Ukrainian flag, Ms Zelenska said: "Justice like victory is not possible without allies."
She argued that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not have the legal force to punish Moscow for its invasion.
Through a translator, she said: "We need to start the special tribunal against the crime of aggression of Russia against Ukraine, which will enhance the work of the ICC and not weaken it.
"We need to unite the world community just as it happened in January 1942 to support the special tribunal against the aggression of Russia against Ukraine.
"I'm asking you a small favour to become the world leader in the justice efforts.
"I believe that London can give this decisive impetus so that the world can become better, fairer, thanks to you."
Speaking in a committee room in Westminster, Ms Zelenska said: "Ukrainians are going through the terror, which will resonate with you.
"Your islands survived the air raids, which were identical to those that Russia uses now to put us on our knees.
"We're hearing sirens every day identical to those which were heard by earlier British generations. You did not surrender and we will not surrender.
"But victory is not the only thing we need. We need justice."
Her visit has focused on the use of sexual violence and rape by Russian forces in the months-long war, which is now heading into a long winter.
And in a strong speech to politicians gathered in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, she said the youngest known victim of the "thousands" of such crimes was a four-year-old girl raped by Russian occupiers.
Ms Zelenska spoke of the "systematic violence" perpetrated by the Russian military, saying "torture chambers" were found in many previously-occupied towns and villages.
"We do not know how many boys and girls and women and men became the victims of torture and violence brought by the Russian occupiers," she said.
"We have documented thousands of crimes including sexual violence.
"The youngest girl who was raped by the Russian occupiers was four years old. The oldest survivor was 85."
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle introduced the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by saying it was Parliamentarians' duty to "keep the world awake" to the horrors of Russia's invasion as he praised her "bravery".
The UK must avoid thinking the war is "going on in a faraway land" and that it "does not affect us", Sir Lindsay said.
"If Putin wins, other nations will be in his sights," he added.
As part of her UK visit, Ms Zelenska met the Queen Consort, Camilla as well as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife, Akshata Murthy.
The Queen Consort said that "heinous crimes" committed against women and girls must end, as she was joined by Ukraine's First Lady at an event to raise awareness of such violence.
Ms Zelenska was one of about 300 people at a reception at Buckingham Palace, where Camilla told guests of her determination to "remember and to listen" to survivors' stories, which she said were two of the most powerful ways to help.
The Royal Family's Twitter account posted a message from Camilla: "Today, a remarkable group of people gathered at Buckingham Palace with one aim – to see the end of violence against women and girls.
"I was deeply moved and inspired by their stories. With determination and courage, we will see the end of these heinous crimes forever."
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