Zelensky says in Washington that aid to Ukraine is an investment in "global security and democracy"
When Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to launch an invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, few people expected Kiev to be able to stand up to one of the world's most powerful armies for long. Yet more than 300 days later, Ukraine is still defending itself and even gaining ground. Meanwhile, its president, Volodimir Zelensky, continues to be the voice and the visible face of the Ukrainian struggle and resistance.
President Biden and President Zelensky enter the Oval Office pic.twitter.com/U88IGhJxjd
— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) December 21, 2022
Likewise, the United States remains Ukraine's main ally. Washington was already on Kiev's side in the months before the invasion and, after the war began, it continued to express its strong support for Ukraine in the form of multi-million dollar economic and military aid packages.
To reaffirm this commitment, US President Joe Biden invited Zelensky to Washington, where the Ukrainian leader was able to address Congress and discuss the situation in Ukraine. This is the first time Zelensky has travelled outside the country since the war began.
"Ukraine's struggle is part of something much bigger," Biden said during a joint press conference after a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House. The US president assured that Kiev would have Washington's support "for as long as it takes". Biden also praised Zelensky's leadership, a man who, in the words of the US President, "has inspired the world".
Both presidents spoke to the media about the Patriot missiles that the US will send to Ukraine. According to Zelensky, these weapons will "significantly strengthen" Ukraine's air defence. The Patriots are part of a new $1.85 billion military package that also includes mortar systems, armoured trucks, high-velocity anti-radiation missiles, guided missiles and other equipment, the BBC reports.
Volodymyr Zelensky handed Joe Biden a medal from the Ukrainian military officer who commands HIMARS in Bakhmut ? pic.twitter.com/4wlh1g4MNW
— Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) December 21, 2022
However, Biden has assured CNN that the Patriot system is defensive and will not encourage escalation. "We're not looking for a war with Russia, we're not looking for World War III," he said.
For months now, with the aim of ending the war, several international leaders have raised the possibility of Ukraine making concessions to Russia, something that has always been rejected by Kiev. Zelensky has made reference to this issue, stressing that, for him, "just peace is not making concessions on the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country, it is compensation for all the damage inflicted by Russian aggression".
President Joe Biden announced an additional $1.85 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, which includes the first transfer of the Patriot Air Defense System, during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. pic.twitter.com/ZyDpylJnaJ
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) December 22, 2022
Biden agreed, explaining that the war "could end if Putin had some dignity and did the right thing, withdraw". "But that's not going to happen," the US president lamented.
As senior officials told CNN, Biden decided to invite his Ukrainian counterpart because he believes the war is entering a "new phase". Winter has just begun and Russia has focused on attacking Ukraine's energy grid, plunging the country into darkness and cold. Critical months lie ahead for the Ukrainian population. Meanwhile, fighting is now concentrated in the strategic town of Bajmut, considered the "hot spot" of the war.
A paired launch by the Ukrainian forces from the Igla-1M MANPADS on a Russian Su-25, presumably of the Wagner Group, in the Bakhmut area. pic.twitter.com/R0fJNSrHnm
— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 22, 2022
Externally, world leaders have to contend with high energy and food prices partly as a result of sanctions imposed on Russia. For this reason, international support for Ukraine is no longer as strong as it was at the beginning of the invasion.
Indeed, Zelensky's visit to Washington and his speech to Congress comes at a time when several members of the Republican Party have criticised or expressed dissatisfaction with the level of US support for Ukraine.
Of course the shadow president has to come to Congress and explain why he needs billions of American’s taxpayer dollars for the 51st state, Ukraine.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene?? (@RepMTG) December 20, 2022
This is absurd.
Put America First!!! https://t.co/gkNonOhvDL
Far-right Republican politician Marjorie Taylor Greener referred to Ukraine as the country's 51st state and called Zelensky "the shadow president" in a clear criticism of Washington's support for Kiev. Even Donald Trump Jr, the former president's son, has called the Ukrainian leader "ungrateful".
Zelensky is basically an ungrateful international welfare queen. https://t.co/WclnckMoCj
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 21, 2022
Many other Republicans take a similar view. As a result, they have already announced that they will not approve all of Biden's requests for assistance for Ukraine when they take control of Congress.
Zelensky, mindful of this situation, has assured the House that aid to his country should not be seen as a show of charity, but as an "investment in global security and democracy".
Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy receives a rousing several-minute ovation before addressing a joint session of Congress. https://t.co/A93K3LTyOT pic.twitter.com/H1c6GJ6saS
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) December 22, 2022
"This is a battle not only for the life, liberty and security of Ukraine and any other nation that Russia tries to conquer. This will define the world we are going to live in," Zelensky told members of "both parties". He also stressed that 2023 "will be a turning point".
The Ukrainian leader recalled that he had never asked for US soldiers to be sent. "I guarantee you that our military can perfectly operate American tanks and planes," said Zelensky, who reiterated the need to send more weapons to Ukraine as the support "is not enough".
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presents Congress with a flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers as a gift to say thank you for the weapons they had been sent https://t.co/vLyJXNiudO pic.twitter.com/MvJg367q1q
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 22, 2022
In his speech, he also mentioned the Islamic Republic of Iran - one of America's greatest enemies - and its military alliance with Moscow. "Russia has found in Iran an ally to its genocidal policy. This is how one terrorist found another," Zelensky explained.
In addition to issues of armaments and US support, Zelensky's speech also had a more poignant and human side. A few days before Christmas, the Ukrainian president reminded US politicians of how the citizens of his country will spend the holiday season.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) receives a standing ovation from lawmakers as he enters the House chamber to address a joint meeting of Congress.
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 22, 2022
Watch the address: https://t.co/uffYxMEh24 pic.twitter.com/ZOx055StbB
"In a few days we will celebrate Christmas. Perhaps by candlelight. Not because it is more romantic, but because there will be no electricity," he said. Already during the previous press conference with Biden he alluded to this issue, accusing Russia of using winter as a weapon and of "freezing and starving" people.
Zelensky also made reference to historical events, a common occurrence during his international speeches. In this case, the Ukrainian president alluded to the Battle of Saratoga during the American War of Independence and the Battle of Ardennes during World War II.
There was also room for thanks. In particular, he thanked Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi for her "heroic" visit to Ukraine, and Vice-President Kamala Harris for her help. He presented both with a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers.
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.
