Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed the US Congress for tanks, planes and more money to help repel Russia’s invasion, portraying the war as a battle of democracy against tyranny as he sought to win support from some sceptical Republican ...
In his first trip abroad since President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded on 24 February, Zelensky told a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday evening that US support had been crucial so far and predicted the year ahead will turn the tide in the war. He called for more sanctions and demanded that Russians responsible for the war be brought to justice.
The applause was tepid from some Republicans who are opposed to more aid, such as Representatives Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert, while others clapped but didn’t join the frequent standing ovations that punctuated the remarks. He said Ukraine has artillery and shells but said: “Is it enough? Honestly, not really,” adding, “I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes for themselves.” It was a rebuttal to US officials who have argued that some advanced weapons would require too much training.
Since the start of the war, with help from the US, NATO members and other allies, Ukraine has dealt Moscow repeated defeats on the battlefield and driven troops back from territory first seized when tanks rolled toward Kyiv. But Russia is regrouping, targeting civilian and energy infrastructure and leaving millions of people without power or heat in the winter. Zelensky has repeatedly demanded more weapons than he’s been given so far.
At the end of the speech, Zelensky turned and gave Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers he’d met a day ago on the front lines. In exchange, Pelosi gave him a folded US flag that had flown on Wednesday above the US capitol in honour of his country.
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