Zelensky, the Ukraine President who has been in the receiving side of continued funding from the US called it as an investment in the global security and democracy. The Ukraine Pres said “I am confident that together we will be able to secure a better, prosperous and free future for both of our nations. Ukraine’s victory will also be America’s victory.”
The US Congress has approved additional aid of $1.8 Billion further to the tens of billions of dollars to help Ukraine battle a Russian invasion on Wednesday.
Zelensky expressed his hope that lawmakers would continue to support Ukraine on a bipartisan basis during his first travel outside of his nation since the crisis broke out in February. This is significant because Republicans are expected to gain control of the House on January 3.
Zelensky arrived knowing that the Senate and House are in charge of setting American spending priorities, exactly 300 days after Russian troops invaded and in the midst of stepped-up rocket assaults that have left Ukrainian cities in ruins.
His timing couldn’t have been more appropriate, as Congress is about to approve an additional $44.9 billion in emergency military and economic aid for Ukraine, on top of the almost $50 billion already transferred there this year.
Zelensky’s journey, according to Daniel Fried, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former American ambassador to Poland, showed that he and Biden hold the same view that the United States, despite its flaws, is the leader of the free world.
Your money is not charity – Ukraine President Zelensky
“Your money is not charity,” Zelensky said, clad in the khaki fatigues that have been his public uniform throughout the 300 days of conflict. “It is an investment in the global security and democracy.”
Zelensky’s address needed to connect with House Republicans after a meeting at the White House with Democratic President Joe Biden since they have expressed growing doubt about continuing to deliver so much help to Ukraine.
There were several loud applauses when Zelensky entered the virtually packed chamber. As he entered, three people held up a big Ukrainian flag.
“It is a great honor for me to be at the U.S. Congress and speak to you and all Americans. Against all doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking,” said Zelensky.
“We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the world,” he said.
Zelensky joined a long list of world leaders who have spoken at joint sessions of the Senate and House. This tradition dates back to Hawaiian King Kalakaua’s visit in 1874 and has featured almost legendary visits by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War, in addition to kings, queens, and one pope.
Zelenskiy compared his country’s struggle against Moscow’s forces to major battles of World War Two and even the American Revolution, prompting members of the House and senators from all parties to frequently rush to their feet in support.
Despite Zelensky’s claim that he and Biden discussed a 10-point Ukrainian peace formula, there are no indications that the war will stop anytime soon, and both Russia and Ukraine have shown a desire to continue fighting.
“I’m glad that President Biden supported our peace initiative today. Each of you today ladies and gentlemen can assist in the implementation to ensure that American leadership remains solid, bicameral, and bipartisan,” Zelensky said to the lawmakers.
