The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, affirmed this Wednesday before the US Congress. that the Ukrainians and the Americans will put those who challenge freedom in their place
The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelensky, stressed this Wednesday to the US Congress that their support is “vital” not only to resist the Russian invasion, but to achieve a “tipping point” on the battlefield and to hasten victory.
“Ukraine remains on its lines and will never surrender,” he promised in his speech at a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives, where he was received and fired to applause and cheers.
Zelensky went to the Capitol after meeting at the White House with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, on his first trip abroad since the start of the Russian invasion last February.
In his long-awaited speech, which lasted half an hour and in which he was interrupted several times by applause from the chamber, he made it clear that the aid granted should not be seen as a show of charity, but rather as an “investment” in democracy.
“It is a battle not only for the life, freedom and security of Ukraine and any other nation that Russia tries to conquer. This will define the world in which we are going to live.” He said confident that Ukraine has already won the support of the people and now it must also be victorious at the front.
US aid is crucial to “reach a turning point” in this conflict, Zelensky said, stressing that “Ukraine has not fallen against all odds and is alive and kicking”, but also that it needs more funding and weapons to continue in foot.
“Ukraine has never asked US soldiers to fight for us on our territory. I guarantee you that our military can perfectly operate American tanks and aircraft,” she added.
His appearance before the two parliamentary chambers It comes in the midst of negotiating US budgets for fiscal year 2023, which include some $45 billion in assistance to Ukraine.
Zelensky: “We will put those who challenge freedom in their place”
The United States had already made it clear on Tuesday that its aid strategy is not to send troops, but to send military equipment, supplies and sophisticated weapons worth tens of billions so that the Ukrainians can defend themselves.
This same Wednesday he announced a new military aid package of 1.85 billion dollars and which for the first time includes the Patriot long-range anti-aircraft defense system, which kyiv had insistently requested to intercept Russian missiles that have destroyed key infrastructure in Ukraine.
The Republican Party, however, will assume control of the Lower House in January and some of its members have questioned whether the United States should continue giving military aid to that country given the high cost it has for federal coffers.
“Ukraine, the United States and the entire free world are united,” added the Ukrainian president, making it clear that his country “it will put those who challenge freedom in their place” and that foreign support will help hasten their victory.
In his emotional but concise speech, he did not hesitate to describe Iran as a partner in Russia’s “genocidal policy”, but equally stressed that “Ukraine is not afraid and the rest of the world should not be either”.
The vice president, Kamala Harris, was in the packed chamber this Wednesday, and on the Democratic bench there were nods to the Ukrainian flag with the yellow and blue suit worn by some of its congresswomen or the majority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer .
Zelenski himself displayed a flag of his country at the end of his speech, and placed it behind him and in front of the vice president of the United States and the speaker of the House of Representatives, to conclude by wishing a merry Christmas and a “happy and victorious new year.”
“It is a great honor to be here,” Zelenski stressed in this express visit, forged in a phone call with Biden on December 11, and in which he constantly thanked the United States for both the support already provided and promised as well as the fact that they have succeeded in rallying the international community in their favor.