A passionate and grateful Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cast his nation’s fight against Russia as a global war for democracy Wednesday night, thanking the United States effusively for its help but pleading for more weapons during what he called a watershed point in the war.
“Your money is not charity,” Zelenskyy, clad in military green, told a joint session of Congress in a clear counterpoint to some Republicans who have criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine. “It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
Because of defiant Ukrainian resistance, “Ukraine is alive and kicking. … The Russian tyranny has lost control over us,” Zelenskyy said, casting it as a mutual mission by Ukraine and the United States.
“It gives me great pleasure to share our first joint victory: We defeated Russia in the minds of the world,” added Zelenskyy. He read carefully from his written speech, clearly determined to deliver the speech in English, his second language.
Zelenskyy, who appeared with President Joe Biden in the afternoon after the administration’s announcement of more assistance – including, for the first time, anti-aircraft Patriot missile batteries – told lawmakers that added weaponry was critical now.
“Russia could stop its aggression if it wanted to, but you could speed our victory – I know it,” Zelenskyy said. He said directly that Ukraine was not looking for U.S. troops – assuaging worries that Biden might change his mind and recommend the sending of American troops to stop Russia. Ukrainian military members, Zelenskyy said, are perfectly capable of operating American weaponry.
“The occupiers have an advantage in artillery. They have much more planes and missiles than we have ever had,” the Ukrainian leader said. “We have artillery, yes, thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really,” Zelenskyy said, winning some chuckles from the chamber for his frankness.
Zelenskyy’s visit was greeted with many standing ovations and enthusiastic applause by a bipartisan, bicameral audience, even as lawmakers are eager to get out of town for the Christmas holiday as stormy weather threatens to disrupt travel. At the end, he offered a Ukrainian flag, straight from the battlefield, and signed, apparently by Ukrainians.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, then handed an emotional Zelenskyy a flag that had been flown over the Capitol on Wednesday in Zelenskyy’s honor.
The visit was Zelenskyy’s first time out of his home country since Russia invaded its western neighbor in January. It was clearly aimed at making sure Americans didn’t forget about the hardship in which his nation finds itself at the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
And if the reaction of the members of Congress – weary from end-of-session legislative work but clearly moved by Zelesnkyy’s speech – was any indicator, he was successful.
The Ukrainian leader was both poignant and canny as he appealed to the audience’s holiday heartstrings and the patriotic history of America’s own fight for independence and democracy.
He likened pivotal battles happening in Ukraine right now to the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and to the Battle of Saratoga in the American Revolution.
Noting that it was just days before Christmas, Zelenskyy said Ukrainians’ celebrations “may be candlelit. Not just because it is more romantic, but because there is no electricity,” said the Ukrainian leader, who was on the front line before he headed to Washington for the surprise meeting with Biden and his address to Congress.
“But we do not complain. We do not judge and compare whose life is easier,” he added. Like the United States did in the 18th century, “We, Ukraine, will go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success.”
Zelenskyy also drew on a common Biden theme – the inflection point of democracy around the world – and cast Ukraine and its richer, more secure ally as partners in the fight.
“The battle is not only for life, … this struggle will define in what world our children and grandchildren will live, and then their children and grandchildren. It will define where it will be a democracy,” Zelenskyy said.
“Our two nations are allies in this battle,” and “next year will be a turning point,” he added.
Zelenskyy also tapped American distrust of Iran, noting that the Middle Eastern nation had sold drones to the Russians.
“One terrorist has found the other,” Zelenskyy said. “It is just a matter of time before they will strike against your allies.”
As Zelenskyy left the chamber, holding his U.S. flag and surrounded by well-wishers, a small group of guests – Ukrainians who were the only ones allowed in the visitors section for the high-security event – began chanting.
“God bless America,” they shouted.
