Ukraine “holds its positions and will never surrender”, launched Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday to the applause of the American Congress, to which he assured that the money paid to Ukraine was not “charity” but a “investment”.
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Greeted by a standing ovation from members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Ukrainian President, dressed in his traditional khaki attire, in English and with the utmost solemnity, said: “Contrary to the most dire predictions, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and fighting.”
“Russian tyranny no longer has control over us,” he said again, acclaimed several times during a vibrant speech of about twenty minutes, which concluded his very first trip abroad. since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Beyond the lyricism, the Ukrainian president has tried to convince Congress, which will partially switch to the side of the Republicans in January, to continue its massive aid.
“I would like to thank you, thank you very much for the financial aids that you have given us and those that you could decide,” he said.
“Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security and democracy, which we manage in the most responsible way,” Volodymyr Zelensky said, in response to concerns expressed by some conservative officials who no longer want a “blank check” for kyiv.
And this at a time when parliamentarians must approve a massive new package of nearly $45 billion in humanitarian and military assistance for Ukraine.
He also linked the fight against Russia to the threat posed by Iran, a theme dear to the Republican camp which criticizes Democratic President Joe Biden for being too complacent in the face of Tehran.
“The deadly drones sent by the hundreds from Iran to Russia have become a threat to our strategic infrastructure. Two terrorist (states) found each other. And it’s only a matter of time before they attack your other allies,” he warned.
In a sometimes almost playful tone, the Ukrainian president also hinted that he would not relax the pressure to obtain more weapons and heavier equipment.
“We have artillery, yes,” he said, adding, “Is that enough? Honestly, not really.”
And he also said that “Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves”, an allusion to equipment that Washington has so far refused to provide.
At the end of his speech, Volodymyr Zelensky turned to House Leader Nancy Pelosi and Vice Speaker Kamala Harris, who were presiding over this exceptional session.
“When I was in Bakhmout yesterday (a town in the east ravaged by fighting, editor’s note) our heroes gave me the flag, their flag. The banner of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives,” he said, before handing the leaders the blue and yellow flag, covered with the signatures of soldiers.
In return, they presented him with an American flag that was hoisted atop the Capitol on Wednesday to mark his historic visit.