British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with the Sir Winston Churchill Leadership Award.
Zelenskiy participated virtually in the award ceremony on July 26 in Johnson's London office, where descendants of Britain’s prime minister during World War II, Ukrainian Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, and Ukrainians who have received training from British soldiers had gathered.
Johnson recalled the Russian invasion launched on February 24, telling Zelenskiy, “In that moment of supreme crisis, you faced a test of leadership that was, in its way, as severe as Churchill’s challenge in 1940.”
Zelenskiy thanked Johnson and Britain for their support and noted that the award represents not only his efforts but the heroism of tens of thousands of Ukrainians who distinguished themselves in battle.
"Democracies of the world are capable of stopping any tyranny. We are capable of stopping any evil that threatens our freedom,” Zelenskiy said.
He said patience is the way to victory, and although no one knows how much time it will take to reach it, “victory is worth the effort. And it will become our shared history with you.”
The Ukrainian leader also said he considered it “outstanding” that he and Johnson will be quoted in the future in the same way Churchill is quoted today.
Zelenskiy was hailed by the British Parliament in March when he invoked one of Churchill's most famous wartime speeches.
Johnson and Zelenskiy have formed a close relationship since the start of the war, and Zelenskiy said he was saddened when Johnson quit as Conservative Party leader after months of ethics scandals, RFE/RL reports.
