Ukraine's 'hero' and President, Voldymyr Zelensky, is tipped to receive an honorary knighthood after British MPs put him forward.
President Zelensky has stood bravely defiant in the face of the Russian invasion, refusing to leave his capital, Kyiv, for the last 18 days despite Putin's men advancing just 25km from the city centre.
Now MPs have called on Boris Johnson to nominate the former comedian for a gong in recognition of that display of bravery and inspiring leadership, The Sun reports.
The calls follow an emotional address by the foreign leader to British politicians in the House of Commons via video link from his bunker in Kyiv.
In the first two weeks of the war, President Zelensky claimed he was "target number one" for the Russian enemy, who he said would kill him and capture his family in an effort to topple the Ukraine government.
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But when US President, Joe Biden, offered him safe passage out of Ukraine, Zelensky refused, adding: "I need ammunition, not a ride".
The 44-year-old dad of two used to work as a comedian before running for office and was elected president of his home country in 2019.
He has amassed a strong following of fans and supporters for his determined resilience since the start of the war on February 24.
Only British and Commonwealth citizens can call themselves Sir, but foreign nationals can be awarded an 'honorary' knighthood.
Tory MP Bob Seely, of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said: “Zelensky has been a true leader. He has given a voice and set an example to his people in their hour of courage.”
Independent MP Neil Coyle met some of Zelensky’s team on a trip to Ukraine in January.
He said: “Such is the leadership he has offered to Ukraine, he fully deserves the highest honour we can award to a non-UK citizen.
"He magnificently represents our values and we stand squarely by him and Ukraine in their time of need.”
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “ 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 added: “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.”
