WASHINGTON — In a war address before a joint session of the US Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on lawmakers and all Americans to continue supporting his nation in its fight for sovereignty and democracy against a tyrannical Russia, warning that anything else than victory would threaten the free world, including the United States.
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“The struggle is not only about the life, freedom and security of Ukrainians. It is determined whether [there] will be democracy for Ukrainians and Americans,” Zelenskyy, dressed in his signature olive green sweater and military-style trousers, said in English on Dec. 21 from the House of Representatives podium.
The war “cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored, hoping for protection from the ocean or something else,” the Ukrainian leader said.
Zelenskyy tried to convince Congress and the American people that Ukraine could win the war with more advanced weaponry, pointing out that his forces were able to hold off the Russian military for ten months despite “doomsday scenarios” his country would collapse.
Although Russia has “significant advantages” in artillery and weapons, “our defense forces stood up,” he said.
“Your support is crucial not only to survive such a battle, but to reach the tipping point and win on the battlefield,” he said.
During the 25-minute speech, Zelensky also attempted to engage with the American people by comparing Ukraine’s war effort to that of US soldiers in World War II and the Revolutionary War against Britain.
Zelenskyi arrived in the US capital earlier in the day on his first trip abroad since the Russian invasion began ten months ago.
He held a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss aid and the course of the war, before engaging in talks with congressional leaders from both parties.
“I want all the people of Ukraine to know that the American people are with you every step of the way, and we will stand by you,” Biden said, emphasizing the importance of their face-to-face meeting and the chance for Zelenskyy to deliver his message.
“As we head into the New Year, it is important for the American people and the world to hear directly from you, Mr. President, on Ukraine’s struggle and the need to continue standing together through 2023,” Biden said at a news conference.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes as Congress prepares to vote on a sweeping spending bill that includes a provision to provide an estimated $45 billion in additional military aid to Ukraine.
WATCH: Ukraine is preparing for the possibility of a new large-scale offensive by Russian forces early in the new year. Russia continues to rally troops in neighboring Belarus, a country Moscow has used as a launch pad for attacks on Ukraine.
Biden also announced a new $1.85 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes a Patriot air defense battery, and said during the press conference that the United States supports his vision of a “free, independent, prosperous, and secure Ukraine.” ” divide.
The tens of billions of dollars in aid Washington has sent is intended to ensure that if Zelenskyy is willing to negotiate a deal with Moscow, “he will also be successful because he would have won on the battlefield,” Biden said.
In his meeting with Biden, Zelenskyy said the Patriot missiles are the most powerful part of the new package. It means he will have “good news” when he returns to Kyiv, saying it is “a very important step” in protecting Ukrainian airspace.
Ukrainian leaders have asked for the Patriots to be provided, and Zelenskyy said during the press conference that he would likely ask for more. Ukraine needs them to prevent the destruction of the country’s civilian infrastructure, including power and heat losses during the cold winter months.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi speak at a joint session of the U.S. Congress on March 21.
The Patriot systems will not be deployed immediately, however, as US troops must first train Ukrainian forces on how to use and maintain the system.
Considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the United States, the Patriot offers protection against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. The surface-to-air missile system typically includes launch vehicles along with radar and other support vehicles.
The State Department said in a statement that the missile systems “are capable of downing cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles and aircraft with a significantly higher ceiling than previously deployed air defense systems.”
Biden welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House just a day after Zelenskyy’s visit was announced. Biden told the Ukrainian leader it was an “honor to be with you in the common defense against a brutal, brutal war.”
Zelenskyy presented Biden with a medal as he thanked the US President for his role in supporting Ukraine and other allies.
Biden said he wasn’t concerned about keeping the alliance of countries supporting Ukraine together, adding that he didn’t see NATO or the European Union as united.
