As part of her speech, Zelenska showed MPs and peers pictures displaying the impact of Russian strikes, including a Russian attack on a Vilniansk maternity hospital, in the Zaporizhia region and a burnt-out apartment block in Kherson.

Day 280 of the Russia-Ukraine war (30 November) saw Nato double down on its promise to one day include Ukraine in its alliance. Earlier this month, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified a total of 6,655 civilian deaths during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the OHCHR specified that the real number could be higher.

“I urge you, members of parliament, to help us unite the global community as much as possible. Unite the world in support of a special tribunal for Russian crimes against Ukraine,” said Zelenska.

“Today, I am asking you to become a world leader of justice. Nothing more, nothing less,” she concluded, receiving a standing ovation from members of the house.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska: “Victory is not the only thing we need. We need justice”