Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a historic address to a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday night, declaring to both Americans and the world that “Ukraine is alive and kicking” while also urging members of Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia and provide more aid.
“Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall,” the Ukrainian president said in a speech from the House chamber.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R-CA) and Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the joint session of Congress, hoisting up a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers in the midst of the war behind Zelensky as he wrapped up his speech. Zelensky presented the leaders with the token, while Pelosi gave Zelensky the flag that flew over the Capitol Wednesday in honor of his visit.
More than 300 days into the war, Zelensky told Congress they will need more weapons to win on the battlefield.
“We have artillery, yes. Thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really,” Zelensky said. “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global democracy and security in the most responsible way.”
In his speech, Zelensky said President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan but urged Congress to help execute the plan as well.
“We need peace. Yes. Ukraine has already offered proposals, which I just discussed with President Biden, our peace formula, 10 points which should and must be implemented for our joint security and the summit which can be held,” Zelensky said. “Each of you, ladies and gentlemen, can assist in the implementation to ensure that American leadership remains solid, bicameral, and bipartisan.”
In his first foreign trip since the war began, Zelensky met with Biden at the White House, holding a joint news conference just hours before in which he thanked Americans for their support and emphasized that air defense systems are crucial to countering Russian attacks.
“This is a very important step to create secure airspace for Ukraine, and it will be the only way we would be able to deprive the terrorist country to strike our energy sector, our people, and our infrastructure,” Zelensky said Wednesday afternoon.
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Zelensky’s address to Congress comes as Ukrainian officials warn Moscow is preparing for a massive winter offensive and as lawmakers are preparing to vote on a massive year-end spending package that includes about $45 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine. If approved, this funding would be the largest U.S. investment in Ukraine’s war effort yet.
The U.S. has committed almost $20 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in late February. The White House is bracing for more resistance from the GOP-controlled House of Representatives next session after House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) warned that GOP lawmakers will not write a “blank check” for Ukraine.
