MPs back honorary knighthood for Zelensky after stand against Putin 

MPs have backed giving Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky an honourary knighthood in recognition of his defiant stand against Russia.

Boris Johnson is being urged to put Mr Zelensky forward for the title to underline Britain’s support in the face of Vladimir Putin’s aggression.

Mr Zelensky has become a symbol of Kyiv’s resistance since the invasion. When offered the opportunity by the West to leave the capital, he responded by insisting he need ‘ammunition not a ride’.

He has been rallying his people by broadcasting from the heart of the country and condemning Putin’s ‘genocidal’ actions.   

A Ukrainian serviceman exits a damaged building after shelling in Kyiv yesterday

The president and the PM have formed a close bond, speaking on the telephone nearly every day. 

The Queen can award honorary knighthoods to non-British citizens in recognition of their contributions to the UK and the world.

The awards technically do not mean that people are referred to as ‘Sir’ unless they are in a Commonwealth country – although the title is still often used.   

Tory MP Bob Seely, of the Commons foreign affairs committee, told the Sun on Sunday: ‘Zelensky has been a true leader. He has given a voice and set an example to his people in their hour of courage.’

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added: ‘Volodymyr Zelensky is such an inspirational leader that Putin has put a price on his head. Let’s give him a knighthood instead.’

Fellow Tory Michael Fabricant said: ‘I believe we should simultaneously award Volodymyr Zelensky an honorary knighthood for his outstanding and charismatic leadership of a nation – while seeking to indict Putin as a war criminal.’

Boris Johnson is being urged to put Mr Zelensky forward for the title to underline Britain’s support in the face of Vladimir Putin’s aggression