British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on Tuesday, July 26, presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with an award to honour his leadership at a ceremony in Downing Street, in which Zelensky appeared virtually.
The award from Johnson comes as Ukraine led by Zelenskyy continues to battle Russia which has made grounds in the Southern and Eastern parts of the country.
Deemed “The Sir Winston Churchill Award” in memory of Britain’s former wartime leader who led Europe to peace in World War II, the International Churchill Society honours it to people who have “demonstrated extraordinary leadership” in his spirit, according to the website of the National Churchill Museum.
“President Zelensky has faced a test of leadership just as severe as Churchill,” Johnson is quoted as saying in a news release from the International Churchill Society.
“He has, with quintessentially Churchillian composure, showed the world what moral and physical courage mean. His defiance, dignity and serenity under extreme pressure have moved millions. It has been a true honour to call him my friend and it is my immense privilege to present him with this award today,” Johnson said.
Also, physically present at the Downing Street ceremonies were members of the Churchill family and Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, the news release said.
Accepting the award, Zelensky said: “No one knows how much time and effort it will take to achieve that victory, but the victory is worthwhile. This will become a joint history, as prominent as it was during Churchill’s times. It will be quoted just like he was quoted. I would like to thank you, thank you for this award, for the award for the people of Ukraine.”
