Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a special joint session of Congress Wednesday evening with a captivating speech.
The approximately 23-minute speech from Zelensky was delivered in English, as opposed to his virtual address in March, which was spoken in Ukrainian and translated through an interpreter. During the speech, Zelensky had several key moments — here are the top four.
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“Your money is not charity”
Zelensky outlined how America’s decision to help fund the Ukrainian war effort was “critically important” and how he was grateful for the support so far, but also how he needs more to preserve his country’s territory.
“I would like to thank you, thank you very much, thank you for both financial packages you have already provided us with and the ones you may be willing to decide on. Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelensky said. “Russia could stop its aggression, really, if it wanted to, but you can speed up our victory. I know it, and it will prove to any potential aggressor that no one can succeed in breaking national borders, no one committing atrocities and reigning over people against their will. It would be naive to wait for steps towards peace from Russia, which enjoys being a terrorist state.”
Zelensky invokes U.S. history
Zelensky made a U.S. wartime reference in the form of a comparison of the Nazis in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II to the current strategy of the Russians.
“The Russians’ tactic is primitive. They burn down and destroy everything they see. They sent thugs to the front lines. They sent convicts to the war. They threw everything against us, similar to the other tyranny, which is in the Battle of the Bulge. Threw everything it had against the free world, just like the brave American soldiers which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944. Brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas,” he said.
“Ukraine is alive and kicking”
In his update to Congress for the first time since his virtual speech in March, Zelensky declared a partial victory over Russia.
“Against all odds and doom-and-gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking. Thank you. And it gives me good reason to share with you our first, first joint victory: We defeated Russia in the battle for minds of the world. We have no fear, nor should anyone in the world have it. Ukrainians gained this victory, and it gives us courage which inspires the entire world,” Zelensky said.
During his last address before Congress, the outlook for Ukraine was not as positive as it currently is. The war was in its infancy, and since then, Ukraine has staved off Russia in many regions, including the eastern part of the country.
Zelensky gifts a Ukrainian battlefield flag
At the end of the speech, Zelensky gave House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a Ukrainian flag from the battlefield from soldiers in Bakhmut, Ukraine, who asked that he give the flag to Congress. Zelensky handed the flag to Pelosi with a kiss on the cheek.
BREAKING: Pres. Zelenskyy ends his address to Congress by displaying a battle flag given to him by soldiers on the front line.
“This flag is a symbol of our victory…We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are united. Ukraine, America, and the entire free world.” pic.twitter.com/f1qqrUkpa2
— ABC News (@ABC) December 22, 2022
“I know that everything depends on us, on Ukrainian armed forces, yet so much depends on the world. So much in the world depends on you. When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the flag, the battle flag, the flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe, and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to you, to the U.S. Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and senators whose decisions can save millions of people,” Zelensky said.
At the conclusion of the speech, Pelosi gave Zelensky an American flag that flew over the Capitol Wednesday.
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Zelensky’s speech was generally well received by members of Congress, with the chamber giving him a standing ovation. Some members of Congress who have called for slowing aid to Ukraine remained critical of Zelensky after the speech.
House speaker hopeful Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said it was a “very good speech” and that “he laid out a number of reasons why the free world wants to continue the fight,” but that he wishes to be more measured with support and does not support a “blank check” approach to the conflict.
