War in Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make 'historic' address to British MPs

The address will take place at 17:00 GMT. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle granted Mr Zelenskyy's "historic" request, which will be the first time that a speech from a foreign leader is broadcast directly into the House of Commons chamber. Formal parliamentary business will be suspended.

A 'historic' address

Sir Lindsay said:

Every parliamentarian wants to hear directly from the president, who will be speaking to us live from Ukraine, so this is an important opportunity for the House.

Thanks again to our incredible staff for working at pace to make this historic address possible.

The unprecedented virtual address will be shown on screens that were installed overnight in the chamber with British lawmakers to wear headsets so they can hear an interpreter translate the speech simultaneously into English.

Meetings with world leaders

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will also host meetings with the leaders of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, to discuss the UK's support for security in central Europe.

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⋙ War in Ukraine: Olena Zelenska's moving response to the crisis

⋙ War in Ukraine: This is how members of the Royal Family have reacted

On Monday evening, Mr Johnson spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and US President Joe Biden. The four leaders agreed to maintain pressure on Russia in order to isolate President Vladimir Putin both diplomatically and economically.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The prime minister stressed that our goal must be ensuring Putin's failure in this act of aggression against Ukraine.