Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will give an historic virtual address to the House of Commons chamber at 5pm today.
The embattled leader, whose messages in military fatigues to his nation and “terrorists” Russia have inspired millions, will be beamed in on TV screens in the chamber.
It is a rare accolade not normally offered to world leaders, who traditionally deliver addresses to both Houses of Parliament outside the chamber, such as in Westminster Hall.
It comes days after he gave an address to EU politicians where he raised his fist in defiance and declared glory to Ukraine.
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said: “Every parliamentarian wants to hear directly from the president, who will be speaking to us live from Ukraine, so this is an important opportunity for the House.
“Thanks again to our incredible staff for working at pace to make this historic address possible.”
Larger-than-usual screens will be installed in the chamber overnight, and more than 500 headsets will be made available to enable MPs to hear a simultaneous translation in English.
Last week the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK received a rare standing ovation from MPs in moving scenes at the start of Prime Minister's Questions.
Sir Lindsay confirmed that Vadym Prystaiko was seated in the gallery above the chamber to watch the weekly clash.
MPs, officials and journalists stood up to applaud for nearly a minute in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.
Sir Lindsay told the top diplomat: "We generally do not allow applause in this chamber but on this occasion the House quite rightly wants to demonstrate our respect and support for your country."
Some politicians wore the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, including ex-PM Theresa May, SNP MP Alison Thewliss and senior Conservative MP Bill Cash.
But Mr Zelensky's pleas for a no-fly zone have been rebuffed by the UK and other NATO countries.
Boris Johnson and military chiefs warn it could lead to an escalation in which 30 NATO member states would be at war with nuclear-armed Russia.
