In an impressive speech to the US Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States for its support against Russia’s offensive war, to the cheers of MPs. “Despite all the odds and scenarios of doom, Ukraine has not fallen. “Ukraine is alive and well,” Zelenskyj said Wednesday evening (local time) before the two houses of parliament in the US capital Washington on his first official trip abroad in times of war. Applause erupted in the ranks. The Ukrainian stressed the historical importance of the defensive struggle for democracy. However, he made it clear that more heavy weapons would be needed for his country to win.
Today is day 302 of the war.
The main points of his visit:
Zelenskyj demands tanks and planes from the US
The US is Ukraine’s main ally in the defense against Moscow. Since US President Joe Biden took office, the US government has provided nearly $22 billion in military aid to Kiev. It is therefore not surprising that Zelenskyj chose Washington for his first trip abroad since the start of the war. Biden used the meeting to pledge to deliver the Patriot anti-aircraft system to Kiev. The air defense system is likely to complicate Russian missile and drone strikes against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president stressed to the Democrats and Republicans in Congress that military aid should not be cut short. “Ukraine has never asked American soldiers to fight in our place on our land. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers are perfectly capable of flying American tanks and planes themselves,” he said. But the artillery delivered so far is not enough. “Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security and democracy, which we handle in the most responsible way,” he said. The Republicans had recently indicated that they wanted to put the brakes on aid to Ukraine.
Democracy is at stake
Zelenskyj made it clear that the war against Ukraine is not only about the fate of Ukrainians. “The battle will determine the world our children and grandchildren will live in, and subsequently their children and grandchildren,” he warned. A Russian attack on allies is only a matter of time. The world is so interconnected that no one can feel safe if the Russian onslaught continues. “Ukrainian courage and American determination” must guarantee the future of freedom.
Selenskyj is confident of victory
The Ukrainian president repeatedly used haunting words in his speech, emphasizing the perseverance of his compatriots. Ukrainians are not afraid – and no one in the world should be, he said. “They’ve got a lot more missiles and planes than we’ve ever had, that’s true, but our defenses are holding up.” Ukraine will never capitulate.
The 44-year-old was also ceremoniously received at the White House before appearing in Congress. Biden and his wife Jill welcomed Selenskyj with a red carpet in front of the White House. Biden and his colleague then spoke for about two hours in the Oval Office. The US president made further commitments for financial, military and humanitarian aid, assuring Selenskyj of the greatest possible assistance from the US “as long as it is needed”.
Symbolic gifts from both sides
Even though the pledge for the Patriot battery was probably the biggest gift for the Ukrainian during his American trip, other gifts were handed out. Zelenskyy gave Biden a Ukrainian soldier’s medal in gratitude for the American support. “Underserved, but greatly appreciated,” Biden said. According to the White House, he also returned the favor with two medals — one for the Ukrainian soldier and one for Zelenskyy.
In the U.S. Congress, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi presented Selenskyj with an American flag that had been hoisted on the Capitol in Washington. Selenskyj didn’t come empty-handed either: he presented Pelosi with a flag from the eastern Ukrainian frontline city of Bakhmut. The gifts symbolized the deep ties between the two countries in the resistance against Russia.
An international peace summit?
Zelenskyi proposed a global peace summit in Washington, which should focus on restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international order. Until a peace settlement is reached, every dollar of US aid to Ukraine will also serve global security. Biden made it clear that Ukraine can be successful in peace negotiations with US help because it will be won on the battlefield. He will give Selenskyj a free hand in determining when such talks will take place.
(sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
