Zelensky pleads for jets as he urges Parliament to provide ‘wings for freedom’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the UK and Western allies to provide “wings for freedom” by supplying his air force with advanced jets. In a surprise visit, Mr Zelensky used an address to Parliament to thank the UK for its steadfast support since Russia invaded. But, as he presented a Ukrainian fighter ace’s helmet to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, he said more planes are needed to defeat Vladimir Putin’s forces. Earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots, paving the way for them eventually being able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard jets, but that is seen as a long-term ambition. Mr Zelensky said he wants a coalition of nations to supply planes.