Ukraine “holds its positions and will never capitulate,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched on Wednesday to applause from the US Congress, which he assured that the money paid to Ukraine was not “charity” but an “investment”.
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Greeted with a standing ovation by members of the House of Representatives and Senate, the President of Ukraine, dressed in traditional khaki attire, said in English and with the utmost solemnity: “Contrary to the worst predictions, Ukraine has not fallen. Ukraine lives and fights.”
“Russian tyranny no longer has any control over us,” he said again, and was cheered several times during a lively speech lasting about twenty minutes, concluding his first ever trip abroad since the February 24 invasion of Ukraine.
Beyond the lyric, Ukraine’s president has tried to persuade Congress, which will partially side with Republicans in January, to continue its massive aid.
“I want to thank you, thank you very much for the financial help that you have given us and that you have been able to opt for,” 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 Zelenskyy said in response to concerns from some conservative officials who no longer want a “blank check” in Kyiv.
And this at a time when parliamentarians must approve a massive new package of nearly $45 billion in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.
He also linked the fight against Russia to the Iranian threat, an issue dear to the Republican camp, which has criticized Democratic President Joe Biden for being overly complacent about 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 tone that is sometimes almost playful, the Ukrainian president also indicated that he would not stop acquiring more weapons and heavier equipment.
“We have artillery, yes,” he said, adding, “Is that enough? To be honest, not really.”
And he also said that “Ukrainian soldiers are perfectly capable of operating American tanks and planes themselves,” a nod to equipment Washington has so far refused to provide.
At the end of his speech, Volodymyr Zelensky addressed House Director Nancy Pelosi and Deputy Speaker Kamala Harris, who chaired this extraordinary session.
“Yesterday, when I was in Bakhmout (a town in the east devastated by fighting, editor’s note), our heroes gave me the flag, their flag. The banner of those defending Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives,” he said, before handing the leaders the blue and yellow flag with the soldiers’ signatures.
In return, they presented him with an American flag, which was raised on the Capitol on Wednesday during his historic visit.