Analysis: Zelensky’s visit to the UK, more than a plea for fighter jets

Image: House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (right). Credit: JITENDRA JOSHI / AFP

LONDON, UK — On February 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky surprised the UK with a visit to Westminster Hall. Dressed in his trademark military fatigues, Zelensky brought with him a decorative hat box containing a Ukrainian air force helmet signed by one of their fighter pilots.

In front of more than 2,000 British dignitaries (including members from both houses of parliament), Zelensky gifted the helmet to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, before drawing attention to the words handwritten on it.

“We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it,” Zelensky read aloud.

The symbolic move was a message to British lawmakers and the Western bloc — a plea for further financial and military aid to finish the war against Russia. But in his carefully crafted performance, Zelensky was indirectly asking for more than fighter jets. He was laying the groundwork for what Ukraine will need most after the war: support for economic recovery and assured membership in Western alliances.

Zelensky’s speech emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to democratic values and international law. He also highlighted the role the international community can play in pressuring Russia through economic sanctions.

“After we win together, any aggressor - it doesn't matter, big or small - will know what awaits him if he attacks [the] international order,” said Zelensky, drawing applause from the audience.

Zelensky’s words plant the seeds for Ukraine’s bid to join NATO and the European Union in the future. Nonetheless, state members from both alliances remain cautious at the prospect of being dragged into a war with Russia.

Anticipating the hefty economic cost to rebuild Ukraine after the war, Zelensky suggested the international community should force Russia to pay the price — not only financially through reparations, but also legally by prosecuting Putin for war crimes.

Stroking egos

In asking for what he wanted, Zelensky gave British leaders what they needed: a boost to their morale. The event puts the UK in a positive light after years of political turmoil and economic recession that recently culminated in an IMF report predicting the former EU country to be the only advanced economy with a negative GDP this year.

Amid such uncertainties, Zelensky displayed political pragmatism by name-dropping and stroking the ego of key figures in British politics, perhaps in an attempt to secure the future relationship between the two nations.

Zelensky thanked Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his ongoing support in training Ukrainian soldiers to operate British battle tanks. He also expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for backing Ukraine at the beginning of the war and encouraging other states to join “when it seemed absolutely impossible.”

After his speech, Zelensky met with British opposition leader Keir Starmer, as the Labour party could replace the Tories in Britain's next general election (likely in 2024), if opinion polls are correct.

To win the hearts of the British people, Zelensky reminded the audience of his 2020 visit to the UK. He spoke fondly of his encounter with King Charles III and recalled the day he “enjoyed tea” with local leaders and sat in “the famous Churchill armchair.”The remarks demonstrate Zelensky’s mastery in the art of persuasion, because nothing makes the British more proud than their own history and traditions. But in doing so, Zelensky might have reminded the British people of what they no longer have, a charismatic and inspiring leader.