Zelensky on the US Congress: “With your help, the next year will be decisive in the war in Ukraine”

🇧🇷Your money for Ukraine is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we manage as responsibly as possible,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the US Congress in his first speech before the US Parliament during his historic visit to Washington.

A speech that followed the meeting with Joe Biden at the White House and Zelensky’s was very focused on aid. “Next year will be critical but they can accelerate our victory”, declared the Ukrainian president, referring indirectly to the new aid package that is being evaluated and that meets the skepticism of some republicans.

“We have artillery, thank you. Is that enough? Honestly, no”, Zelensky warned that, to convince the many skeptics in Republican ranks, he drew parallels with World War II, the Ardennes Offensive, and Franklyn Delano Roosevelt. Greeted with a standing ovation when he arrived, the Ukrainian leader was repeatedly interrupted by long applause as he called for US battles against Nazi Germany and President Roosevelt’s war commitments.

“Our two nations are allies in this battle and next year will be a turning point. I know that. It will be a time when Ukrainian courage and American determination must guarantee the future of our common freedom. The freedom of people who defend their values,” Zelensky said.

“Against all odds and misfortunes, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and well. We defeated Russia. We are not afraid. Nor should anyone else in the world have it. Ukraine achieved this victory that gives us courage and inspires the whole world”, continued Zelensky, reminding that the war on the battlefield continues and the United States can be decisive.

“I know that everything depends on us, on the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However much depends on the world. So much in the world depends on you.” he told US lawmakers, adding: “Russia really could stop its aggression if it wanted to. But you can hasten our victory.”

The United States has already provided $22 billion in military assistance to Ukrainesince the Russian invasion in February. On Wednesday, the White House announced an additional $1.85 billion in aid, including, for the first time, Patriot air defense missiles to protect Ukraine’s infrastructure. “You will never be alone,” President Biden told the Ukrainian leader, announcing the White House’s approval.