War in Ukraine: Zelenskyy thanks Americans in Congress

War in Ukraine: Zelenskyy thanks Americans in Congress

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is cheered by the audience during a speech before the US Congress. But the Ukrainian president also warns the ally and insists on further support.

With an impressive speech before the US Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United States for its support against the Russian war of aggression, to the cheers of the members of parliament.

“Despite all the adversities and doomsday scenarios, Ukraine has not fallen. Ukraine is alive and well,” said Zelenskyj in front of the two chambers of parliament in the US capital Washington on his first official trip abroad in times of war. Applause erupted in the ranks. The Ukrainian stressed the historical importance of the defensive struggle for democracy. However, he made it clear that more heavy weapons would be needed for his country to win.

Zelenskyj demands tanks and planes from the USA

The US is Ukraine’s main ally in defense against Moscow. Since US President Joe Biden took office, the US government has provided nearly $22 billion in military aid to Kyiv. It is therefore not surprising that Zelenskyj chose Washington for his first trip abroad since the beginning of the war. Biden used the meeting to pledge to deliver the Patriot anti-aircraft system to Kiev. The air defense system is likely to complicate Russia’s missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President stressed before the Democrats and Republicans in Congress that military aid must not be cut short. “Ukraine has never asked American soldiers to fight in our place on our land. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers are perfectly capable of operating American tanks and planes themselves,” he said. But the artillery delivered so far is not enough. “Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security and democracy, which we will handle in the most responsible way,” he assured. The Republicans had recently indicated that they wanted to step on the brakes on aid to Ukraine.

Democracy is at stake

Zelenskyj made it clear that the war against Ukraine is not only about the fate of the Ukrainians. “The struggle will define what world our children and grandchildren will live in, and then their children and grandchildren,” he warned. A Russian attack against allies is only a matter of time. The world is too interconnected for anyone to feel safe if the Russian attack continues. “Ukrainian courage and American determination” must guarantee the future of freedom.

The Ukrainian President repeatedly used haunting words in his speech and emphasized the perseverance of his compatriots. Ukrainians are not afraid – and no one in the world should be, he said. “They have a lot more missiles and planes than we’ve ever had, that’s true, but our defenses are standing.” Ukraine will never capitulate.

The 44-year-old was also ceremonially received in the White House before his appearance in Congress. Biden and his wife Jill greeted Selenskyj with a red carpet in front of the White House. Biden and his colleague then spoke to each other in the Oval Office for around two hours. The US President made further financial, military and humanitarian aid pledges and assured Selenskyj the greatest possible support from the USA “as long as it is necessary”.

Symbolic gifts from both sides

Even if the promise for the Patriot battery was probably the biggest gift for the Ukrainian on his US trip, other gifts were distributed. Zelenskyy gave Biden a Ukrainian soldier’s medal in gratitude for US support. “Underserved but greatly appreciated,” Biden said. According to the White House, he also returned the favor with two medals – one for the Ukrainian soldier and one for Zelenskyy.

In the US Congress, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, presented Selenskyj with a US flag that had flown on the Capitol in Washington. Selenskyj did not come empty-handed either: he presented Pelosi with a flag from the eastern Ukrainian frontline town of Bakhmut. The gifts symbolized the deep ties between the two countries in the resistance against Russia.

An international peace summit?

Zelenskyi proposed a global peace summit in Washington, which should focus on restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international order. Until a peace settlement is reached, every dollar of US aid to Ukraine will also serve global security. Biden made it clear that with the help of the US, Ukraine can be successful in peace negotiations because it will be won on the battlefield. He will give Selenskyj a free hand when deciding when such talks will take place.

Source: Stern

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