Zelensky's defiant message: we will win with your help

HE MAN I met fewer than three years ago _ has changed beyond recognition.

Instead of engaging in the niceties of friendship and trade over a cup of tea, he is appealing to the world to help him rid his country of an aggressor whose invasion has brutally taken innocent _ lives, destroyed families, homes and communities.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, was in town and on a mission. The suit was gone replaced by military fatigues and his message was simple: We will win this war, but we need your help to do so.”

As Speaker of the House of Commons, I was privileged to share the stage in Westminster Hall Parliament’s most ancient building to hear his words, spoken forcefully in English, which gave them maximum impact.

Despite this vast, cavernous space filled with 2,000 MPs, peers and staff, when the President spoke, you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone was in awe of this brave man who had come to tell us about the suffering of his people and his country.

He was reminding us of a war that is nearly 12 months old. A war we cannot afford to lose. A war that is happening in Europe.