The Ukrainian president made a celebrated appearance in Congress on Wednesday following his visit to the White House, where US President Joe Biden once again pledged the utmost assistance in defending Russia’s offensive war. In his ten-minute speech, which was repeatedly interrupted by the applause of the deputies, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed: “Ukraine will never surrender.” The visitor thanked the US for the earlier help and at the same time called for more support – especially heavy weapons.
“Ukraine has never asked American soldiers to fight on our land in our place. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers are perfectly capable of flying American tanks and planes by themselves.” 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,” said the 44-year-old leader. At the same time, Zelenskyy warned of Russia attacking American allies: “It’s only a matter of time before they will attack your other allies if we don’t stop them now.” The coming year will surely be “a turning point” in the war.
Towards the end of his speech, which he gave in English, Zelenskyi announced: “We will celebrate Christmas even if there is no electricity. The light of our faith in ourselves will not go out. If Russian missiles attack us, we will do our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian drones and our people have to go to the bomb shelters on Christmas Eve, Ukrainians will still sit down at the festive table and cheer each other up.”
Flag Exchange in the US Congress
After the speech, the visitor presented a Ukrainian flag from the currently hotly contested city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine – as a token of gratitude for US support. Vice President Kamala Harris and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi held the flag aloft to renewed applause. In return, Zelenskyy received an American flag.
In addition to the flag, the Ukrainian president will also be able to return home with another aid package worth 1.85 billion dollars (about 1.7 billion euros). Washington is also supplying the Patriot air defense system for the first time, the US State Department announced on Wednesday. This increases total US military aid to Ukraine since the start of US President Biden’s term to $21.9 billion (about $20.6 billion). “We will support Ukraine for as long as necessary so that Kiev can continue to defend itself and, when the time comes, take the strongest possible position at the negotiating table,” the foreign ministry said.
Biden: ‘US stands with the brave Ukrainians’
In addition to the Patriot anti-aircraft system, the new package includes additional air defense support, additional ammunition and essential equipment. The Patriot air defense system can repel aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and missiles even at a greater distance. It is likely to complicate Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. At the meeting of the two presidents at the White House, Biden assured, “We will continue to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, especially its air defenses, and therefore we will supply Ukraine with Patriot missile batteries.” Biden’s message to the guest: “President Zelenskyy, the United States stands with the brave people of Ukraine.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
