Zelenskyy Delivers a Historic Speech to the Joint Session of Congress

• In a moving Wednesday speech, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, addressed Congress.
• His first international trip to the USA since February, when Russia invaded, is his first.
• “Despite all odds, doom and gloom scenarios and all other possibilities, Ukraine didn’t fall. He said that Ukraine is still alive and well. 

Volodymyr Zeleskyy, President of Ukraine, visited Washington, DC on Wednesday. It was his first international trip since Russia invaded his country in February.

Tuesday’s news of Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington, which is considered a risky and dangerous journey that raises significant security concerns, broke. Zelenskyy visited Washington on Tuesday, a day after President of Ukraine, Joe Biden. met with troops on the frontlineThis is a city Russia has tried and failed for months to capture.

“It is good to have your back,” Biden said in greeting Zelenskyy at White House, welcoming him as the Ukrainian leader for the first-time since September 2021.

“It’s an honor be with you in the united defence against the brutal, vicious war being waged by [Russian President Vladimir]Putin,” Biden stated to his Ukrainian counterpart.

Biden stated that the Ukrainian people continue to inspire and motivate the world. “I mean that sincerely — not just inspire us, but inspire the world with their courage.”

—Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 21, 2022

On Wednesday evening Zelensky addressed Congress with an emotional speech. He thanked the US politicians for their assistance in the past and emphasized his country’s need to receive further financial and military support.

“Your money does not go to charity. It’s an investment for the global security of democracy that we manage in the most responsible way,” said he. 

Zelenskyy entered the House chamber to a rare standing ovation of both sides of the aisle. It was a rare moment of silence and Zelenskyy compared the Ukrainians’ resistance to the Battle of the Bulge. This battle saw American troops and the Allied line withstand the final German offensive of World War II under harsh winter conditions.

During sudden standing ovations or bursts in applause, some right-wing lawmakers remained seated. reporters in the room noted. 

He railed against Russian tyranny and expressed confidence that Ukraine would be able to withstand more attacks.

“Despite all odds, doom and gloom scenarios and all other possibilities, Ukraine didn’t fall. He said that Ukraine is still alive and well. 

Zelenskyy stated, “The Ukrainian people also will win, absolutely.”

Zelenskyy’s speech occurred after the Ukrainian president joined Biden in a joint press conference on Wednesday afternoon. The latter reiterated the US’ continued support for Ukraine.

The president of Ukraine stated that he was grateful for US assistance, and that they are fighting for “common victory” against tyranny.

He said, “I really want to win together,” before correcting himself. “Not ‘want.’ Sorry. I’m sure.”

The Russian military has suffered from the war in Ukraine.

Russia is said to have suffered around 100,000 casualties thus far. Russian forces are also losing ground to a Ukrainian counteroffensive. This includes in territories in Ukraine that Putin illegally annexed September.

Putin admitted Tuesday that the war was not going as planned. He cited an “unprecedented admission” by Putin. “extremely difficult”Situation in the occupied territories. Last month, Russian forces treated from Kherson — the first major city Russia captured after invading — in one of the most humiliating moments in the war for Moscow to date.

However, Ukraine has also suffered significant losses on many levels, including personnel as well as vital infrastructure. Throughout the war, Kyiv relied heavily on Western military aid, and Zelenskyy. continues to ask for more assistance.

Zelenskyy’s visit was announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who announced $1.85billion in additional military aid to Ukraine. This includes a Patriot missile-battery for the first time. Blinken in a statementThe Patriot system “is capable of bringing down short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft at a substantially higher ceiling than air defense systems previously available.” Ukraine has been calling on the West to equip it with more advanced weaponry like the Patriot air defense system for several months.

As US lawmakers consider sending more aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s trip coincides with Zelenskyy’s visit

The trip of the Ukrainian leader to Washington came as lawmakers discussed a massive federal government spending bill which includes nearly $45 billion in emergency assistance for Ukraine.

Top Republicans such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell offered their support. full-throated supportUkraine to receive more aid. However, many congressional Republicans have expressed concern about the US’s assistance to Kyiv in recent months, citing economic concerns. 

Rand Paul, Republican Senator of Kentucky, attacked Senate GOP leaders after they agreed to the latest tranche Ukraine aid already incorporated into the year end spending agreement. 

“We don’t have the money to send Ukraine any money.” Paul stated that China must lend it to him in order to alleviate his concerns about deficit spending.

Paul took a no hard feelings approach to shutting down any additional aid for Zelenskyy. Paul said that Zelenskyy is fighting against an aggressive neighbor and that he wishes him luck. “But my obligation it to try to preserve this country’s national security. I don’t believe that giving away money we don’t have is a good way of ensuring our national security.

Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley didn’t criticize Zelenskyy, or Senate Democrats for seeking out all resources on the Ukraine front. Instead, he aimed his fire at Senate GOP leadership.

Hawley spoke of the willingness of his leadership to send money overseas and said, “I think that the Senate Republicans has boosted it beyond the White House requested.”

He also thought about how the high profile visit, which was meant to strengthen relations between the two countries, could actually expose America’s poor organizational skills.

Hawley stated that it would be ironic if the government was shut down because Congress had to stop for a joint session. This could have the effect of disrupting the race to fix the federal budget for the year.

Washington is still debating the issue of aid to Kyiv. However, it remains unlikely that negotiations for an end to the conflict in Ukraine will happen in the near future. Russia demanded that Russia recognize its authority over territories Putin illegally annexed before negotiations can take place, even though Russian forces don’t fully control or occupy these areas. It has also made it clear that Ukraine will not sign any peace deal that would allow it to cede territory to Russia. As Putin continues to support the rebels in Ukraine, the fighting continues. make nuclear threatsRussia has repeatedly targeted civilian areas.