Ukraine war: Zelenskyy thanks 'every American' in a rousing Congress speech
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a hero's welcome by the US legislators during a defiant wartime visit to the nation's capital on Wednesday, thanking "every American" for helping to fund the war effort with money that is "not charity," but an "investment" in global security and democracy.
In his remarks to lawmakers, Zelenskyy harked back to US victories in the Battle of the Bulge, a turning point against Nazi Germany in World War II, and the Revolutionary War Battle of Saratoga, an American victory that helped draw France's aid for US independence.
The Ukrainian leader predicted that next year would be a "turning point" in the conflict, "when Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom — the freedom of people who stand for their values."
The whirlwind stop in Washington — his first known trip outside his country since Russia invaded in February — was aimed at reinvigorating support for his country in the US and around the world at a time when there is concern that allies are growing weary of the costly war and its disruption to global food and energy supplies.
Zelenskyy told Congress members the tens of billions of dollars in US military and economic assistance provided over the past year were vital to Ukraine's efforts to beat back Russia and appealed for even more in the future.
"Your money is not charity," he sought to reassure both those in the room and those watching at home. "It's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."
Just before his arrival, the US announced a new $1.8 billion (€1.69bn) military aid package, including, for the first time, Patriot surface-to-air missiles.
Congress planned to vote this week on a
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