On his first trip outside the country since the war began, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in the US on Wednesday, where he met President Biden and addressed Congress.
The Ukrainian President was greeted with standing ovations in the nearly full chamber. As he started his speech, Zelenskyy said it was a great honour for him to be at the U.S. Congress. "Against all doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking," said Zelenskyy. "We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the world," he said.
Appealing for continued support on a bipartisan basis, Zelenskyy told the U.S. Congress that Ukraine is fighting for its independence and freedom. "Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelenskyy added.
He added that although the aid benefits Ukraine — it is also in the interest of the United States and other Western allies. "Iranian deadly drones sent to Russia in hundreds and hundreds became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. We must do it," he said.
“Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelenskyy added.
Clad in the khaki fatigues that he has often been spotted in since the war began, Zelenskyy called for strengthening sanctions against Russia and "let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression." He added that President Biden supported his 10-point peace plan, but added that each member of Congress can assist in the implementation.
"You can strengthen sanctions to make Russia feel how ruinous its aggression truly is. It is in your power, really, to help us bring to justice everyone who started this unprovoked and criminal war. Let's do it. Let the terrorist be held responsible for aggression, and compensate all losses done by this war."
He said that Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year despite the war. "Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out."
Just like the "brave American soldiers which held their lines and fought against Hitler's Nazi Germany in 1944, Ukrainian soldiers "are doing the same to Putin's forces this Christmas," Zelensky said to applause.
Zelenskyy also presented Congress with a flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers in the frontline city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. In return, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Zelensky a folded US flag that had flown over the Capitol building on Wednesday.