Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Congress on Wednesday night time to approve extra assist for Ukraine, telling lawmakers that “this battle can’t be frozen and postponed,” and reminding them that temperatures are falling with the arrival of winter.
“Ukraine is alive and kicking,” Zelenskyy stated in English to applause. “Russian tyranny has misplaced management over us,” he added.
Zelenskyy, who delivered his total deal with in English, thanked People for help and vowed Ukraine “will win as a result of we’re united — Ukraine, America and the whole free world.”
“Standing right here immediately, I recall the phrases of the president Franklin Delano Roosevelt …’The American folks of their righteous would possibly will win by means of absolute victory,'” Zelenskyy stated. “The Ukrainian folks will win too. Completely.”
MANDEL NGAN/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
He famous that many in Ukraine will have fun Christmas by candle — not as a result of it is romantic however as a result of Russians have destroyed the ability, he stated. Tens of millions may have neither heating, nor operating water, he stated. However they might have fun nonetheless, he stated, including that tens of millions of Ukrainians need the identical factor — victory.
On the finish of the speech, he offered a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainians to Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Zelenskyy’s journey to Washington, his first overseas for the reason that Russian invasion in February, comes as Congress is debating an enormous $1.7 trillion authorities spending invoice, which incorporates one other $45 billion in assist for Ukraine.
Forward of the speech, Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer urged the passage of the invoice – which should cross each Homes of Congress and be signed by President Joe Biden by Friday – and stated Zelenskyy “made clear that with out this assist package deal, the Ukrainians might be in hassle and will even lose the conflict.”
“In order that makes the urgency of us getting this laws one all of the extra essential and getting it performed shortly with out flaw,” Schumer stated.
Numerous Republicans who oppose extra assist attended Zelenskyy’s deal with — Reps. Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz stood however didn’t applaud for the Ukrainian chief.
In entrance of Congress, Zelenskyy referred to as for “Ukrainian braveness and American resolve” that can “assure the way forward for our widespread freedom.”
Forward of the speech, Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden on the White Home. They held a joint press convention, the place Mr. Biden stated he would proceed to help Ukraine “so long as it takes,” and denounced Russian assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure because the brutal winter chilly units in.
“We must be clear about what Russia is doing — it’s purposefully attacking Ukraine’s crucial infrastructure, destroying the programs that present warmth and light-weight to the Ukrainian folks through the coldest, darkest a part of the yr. Russia is utilizing winter as a weapon,” Mr. Biden stated, standing subsequent to Zelenskyy within the White Home East Room. “It is essential for the American folks and for the world to listen to instantly from you, Mr. President, about Ukraine’s struggle and the necessity to proceed to face collectively by means of 2023.”
Zelenskyy addressed Congress just about in March.
Ellis Kim contributed to this report.
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