It was a moment the US Congress has not seen in a long time. For a full two minutes and 19 seconds, members of both chambers of parliament cheer Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before he can even say a word. Then the President begins his speech, which will later be called “historic”.
“Despite all the adversities and doomsday scenarios, Ukraine has not fallen,” Zelenskyy calls out to MPs to repeated applause. “Ukraine lives and fights.” While thanking the US for its support, he also stressed the importance of Russia’s war of aggression – and made it clear that his country still needs more weapons. “The struggle will define what world our children and grandchildren will live in, and then their children and grandchildren.”
Selenskyj thanks the USA – Biden assures permanent support
Quite a few were surprised by the announcement that the President of Ukraine is coming to the USA. After all, the visit to Washington is his first trip abroad since the beginning of the war in February – and it comes at a crucial time. With the rearmament of both sides, it could become more difficult for the Ukrainian armed forces to advance against the Russian soldiers in the east of their country in what will soon be a year of war.
However, in the past ten months, the Ukrainian army has always managed to repulse the Russians, who previously appeared to be overpowering, first around Kyiv and then in the east of the country. This would have been impossible without the US – Ukraine’s main ally. Selenskyj also emphasized this when he was received by US President Joe Biden before his speech in the Capitol. Biden once again assured the Ukrainian head of state the continued support of the United States and the West. “You will never be alone,” Biden said at a joint White House press conference. “We will stand by you as long as it is necessary.”
“The light of our belief in ourselves will not go out”
But before Congress, Zelenskyy made it clear that the nearly $22 billion in US military aid was not handouts. That Money from Washington is “not charity – it is an investment in global security and democracy. Kyiv is the bulwark against Russia – it is only a matter of time before Russia also attacks US allies, warns the Ukrainian.
With a view to the upcoming holidays, Selenskyj once again emphasized the stamina of the Ukrainians at the end of his speech. “We will celebrate Christmas (…), even if there is no electricity. The light of our belief in ourselves will not go out.”
Sources: “NYTimes“, “Washington Post“, with DPA and AFP material