Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to the United States, delivered a historic speech at the Capitol on Wednesday night, expressing gratitude for American support in the fight against the Russian invasion.
“I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in the heart of every American,” Zelensky said during the joint meeting of Congress.
But alongside gratitude, Zelensky made an appeal for more help, emphasizing that his armed forces are outnumbered and less equipped than the Russian military.
Zelensky’s visit to Washington marks his first trip outside his homeland since it was invaded 10 months ago. He came with the aim of giving a new direction to the war alongside an important Western ally.
“Our two nations are allies in this battle, and the next year will be the turning point, I know – the moment when Ukrainian courage and American determination must secure the future of our common freedom,” he said.
“Your money is not charity,” he told Congress. “It is an investment in global security and in democracy that we deal with in the most responsible way,” he added.
Zelensky also urged lawmakers to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
On Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader also visited the White House, where he met with President Biden. They held a joint press conference, during which the duo showed unity in their approach to the war.
“I think… we share exactly the same vision, and that a free, independent, prosperous, and secure Ukraine is the vision – we both want this war to end,” Biden told reporters at the White House.
Biden announced a $1.8 billion aid package for Ukraine. This package includes a ‘Patriot’ surface-to-air missile system, which has been a long-standing request from Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks.
Zelensky’s trip, which American and Ukrainian officials secretly organized last week, involved significant risks. After arriving in Poland by train, Zelensky flew to Washington aboard a U.S. military plane. Military risks were assessed to allow the Ukrainian president to make the short trip without further jeopardizing the military situation.
However, Russia was displeased with the meeting of the two allies and made threats:
Kyiv and its Western allies are “prepared for a long confrontation with Russia,” Moscow said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that no matter how much military support the West provides to the Ukrainian government, “they will achieve nothing.”