Zelenskyy invokes World War II, says ‘no compromises’ with Russia
In a defiant wartime speech in Washington, DC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked US leaders and “ordinary Americans” for their support in his nation’s fight against Russia and emphasized that their military aid to Ukraine was not “charity” but rather a “investment” in a democratic world.
Zelenskyy also stated there could be “no compromises” in attempting to put an end to Russia’s attack on his nation, recalling the United States’ victory over Nazi Germany in a crucial World War II fight.
Zelenskyy expressed his hope that the US Senate and House of Representatives would continue to support his country’s war effort on a bipartisan basis on Wednesday during his first travel outside of Ukraine since the conflict started in February.
Zelenskyy, wearing his typical khaki fatigues, replied in English, “Your money is not charity.”
It’s an investment in democracy and world security, he continued.
His cross-party appeal comes as some in the party have expressed worry about the skyrocketing levels of aid being delivered to Kyiv and as Republicans are expected to take control of the US House in January.
The US has already provided Kyiv with roughly $50 billion in help, and on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a another $1.85 billion in military assistance, including the Patriot air defense system. One of the most sophisticated US air defense systems, the Patriot missile system provides defense against both cruise and ballistic missiles as well as attacking aircraft.
Members of Congress held up a giant Ukrainian flag as Zelenskyy entered the almost full chamber of the House to several boisterous applauses. As Zelenskyy entered, most people stood, cheered, applauded, and many shook his hand. Several people were dressed in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Speaking to you and other Americans at the US Congress is a huge honor for me. Ukraine resisted all predictions that it would fall. “Ukraine is thriving right now,” he declared.
In the struggle for the world’s minds, we triumphed over Russia, he continued.
Zelenskky reminded his audience of the challenges experienced by US forces fighting to free Europe from Nazi domination during World War II by quoting former US President Franklin D Roosevelt, who presided over the country from 1933 to 1945.
“Brilliant Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas,” he said. “Just like the brave American soldiers who held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944.”
The Battle of the Bulge, which started in December 1944 and was Hitler’s final big attempt to drive back the Allied forces, was being discussed by the Ukrainian leader. The US’s initial attempts to stop the onslaught were impeded by bad weather, which resulted in many deaths and threatened to split the allies, who ultimately won.
Credit: Al-Jazeera
