Sunak’s Wife Akshata Welcomes Ukraine’s First Lady in Downing Street

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty met First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, on Monday, in No 10 Downing Street.

The wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefly waved and smiled to the assorted cameras in Downing Street as she arrived in the UK to participate in an international conference on preventing sexual violence during conflicts.

Murty welcomed Zelenska on the pavement outside No 10 amid a heavy security presence as the pair exchanged a hug before walking inside the building.

Zelenska is projected to address MPs and peers on Tuesday as part of her visit.

At the conference earlier, Zelenska spoke about sexual violence being perpetrated “systematically and openly” as the war in Ukraine drags on.

“Sexual violence is the most cruel, most animalistic way to prove mastership over someone. And for victims of this kind of violence, it is difficult to testify in war times because nobody feels safe”, she said. 

“This is another instrument that they’re using as their weaponry. This is another weapon in their arsenal in this war and conflict.”

She added: “That’s why they’re using this systematically and openly. They’re very open about this, that’s why it’s extremely important to recognize this as a war crime and to hold all of the perpetrators accountable.”