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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky capped his whirlwind trip to DC with an address to lawmakers on the House floor, thanking lawmakers for the billions in aid and proclaiming that “Ukraine is alive and well.”
“Russia’s tyranny has lost control over us,” Zelensky told Congress, where he once again appealed to keep the United States and allied nations united in support of his country.
Zelensky received repeated applause from Republicans and Democrats, including a group of lawmakers who unfurled a Ukrainian flag on the House floor.
“That is why we have managed to unite the global community to protect freedom and international law,” he said, recalling how allied nations came together to support Ukraine after the invasion by Russia, which it repeatedly portrayed as a threat to everything. the world order.
Zelensky’s speech comes as lawmakers are about to approve another $45 billion in support for his war-torn country.
He went over the descriptions of the bloody attacks on Russia.
“They sent thugs to the front line,” he said. He said that ‘they destroy everything they see’.
We have artillery. Yes thanks. It’s enough? Not really,’ he said, once again reaching for more weaponry even as he sought to express his gratitude for the onslaught of weapons.
As he did earlier in the White House, Zelensky tried the tactic of seeking ever more powerful weapons, but with a smile. He tried to dismiss any concerns that his country needed the Americans to fight for them.
I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can operate American tanks. And planes,’ he quipped, taking up one of his requests immediately after the February invasion.
He also appealed to self-interest.
Zelensky arrived on Capitol Hill at the end of a quick visit in which President Joe Biden repeatedly assured that the United States would stand with his country as it prepares for a long winter under repeated Russian missile and drone attacks.
Biden announced another arms transfer totaling $1.8 billion, and Zelensky said he’s confident support will continue even as Republicans prepare to seize control of the House, with some expressing skepticism and calling for more oversight. of the billions in aid.
As lawmakers entered the cavernous House chamber, light applause was heard for the arrival of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader , Mitch McConnell.
Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance.
Before addressing the Joint Session of Congress, Congressional Leaders Pelosi, Schumer and McConnell gave Zelensky a brief tour of the Capitol Rotunda.
McCarthy, who is currently under pressure from conservatives within his conference, many of whom are skeptical of US aid to Ukraine, appeared to be absent from the public meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a joint meeting of Congress and thanked lawmakers for the US support in fighting the Russian invasion. He previously met with outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Three of the four top congressional leaders came to the chamber together to weak applause. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy was not among them.
“Regardless of the changes in Congress, I think there will be bipartisan and bicameral support,” Zelensky told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.
He received another public assurance from Biden, who told him: “We’ll stay with you, as long as it takes,” and then made it clear that he would not stop seeking support from his powerful ally, who announced the transfer of Patriot Missile Batteries to defend against Russian attacks.
‘What’s going to happen after the Patriots are installed? After that, we’ll send another signal to President Biden that we’d like to have more patriots.’
It all happened after Zelensky traveled to Poland by train and then flew to Joint Base Andrews, near Washington, aboard a US military plane.
He was greeted by President Biden on the South Lawn, sat in the Oval Office where he presented Biden with a merit medal, and spoke to reporters in the East Room.
Pelosi called Zelensky’s congressional address to lawmakers, who are about to return home for the holidays, a “very special night, one that will go down in history and be part of his legacy.”
She also called it a “charged with meaning” moment.
“We are here today to welcome the brave and courageous President Zelensky in order to commend not only him but also the brave unified people of Ukraine for what they are doing to protect democracy,” the Spokesman said. “For the past 10 months since the invasion, you, Mr. President, and the Ukrainian people have faced Putin’s brutality with a strong will.”
Pelosi also noted that the speech comes just as Congress is weighing its $1.7 trillion omnibus bill that includes $45 billion in aid to Ukraine.
“Within the next 48 hours, hopefully it will be done,” Pelosi said.
Reflecting on Zelensky’s presence, he also mentioned his father, former Representative Thomas D’Alesandro, Jr. of Maryland, who “was a member of the House in 1941 when Winston Churchill came to Congress the day after Christmas to recruit the members of our nation.” support in the fight against tyranny in Europe.’
“Eighty-one years later this week, it is particularly moving for me to be present as another heroic leader addresses Congress in a time of war, and with democracy itself at stake,” he said.