Mr. Zelensky speaks before the US Congress, calling for increased aid to Ukraine

Ukraine's president has said the billions of dollars the US Congress has approved in aid to his country in its conflict with Russia are not charity, but an investment in global security.

In his first foreign trip since the outbreak of war in late February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited and delivered a speech to the US Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on the evening of December 21, US time (morning of December 22, Vietnam time).

Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters, US lawmakers greeted Mr. Zelensky's appearance with loud applause in the nearly packed meeting room. Three lawmakers raised a large Ukrainian flag as the head of Kiev entered.

"I am honored to be present in the US Congress and to speak to you and all the American people. Despite all the gloomy scenarios, Ukraine has not collapsed. Ukraine is still alive and developing," Mr. Zelensky said.

Photo: Reuters

Mr. Zelensky told US lawmakers gathered in the House chamber that he hoped they would continue to support Ukraine on a bipartisan basis, an important point as the Republican Party (GOP) is about to replace the Democratic Party in the US House of Representatives on January 3.

“Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy,” the Ukrainian president stressed.

Photo: Reuters

Analysts say that after meeting President Biden at the White House, Mr. Zelensky's speech before the US Congress needs to resonate with a bipartisan audience, including GOP members who have expressed growing skepticism about continuing aid to Ukraine.

The visit joins a long list of world leaders who have addressed joint sessions of the US House and Senate, a tradition that dates back to 1874.

Lawmakers from both parties in the US Congress repeatedly applauded the Ukrainian government leader's English-language remarks, in which Mr. Zelensky affirmed: "Even without electricity, the light of faith in ourselves will not be extinguished... Ukraine always stands firm in its position and will never surrender."

According to CNN, Mr. Zelensky presented the US Congress with a flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers to thank the US for sending weapons to his country. In response, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi presented Mr. Zelensky with an American flag that had flown over the Capitol building that same day.

Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Zelensky's speech came "at the right time" as US senators were trying to pass a government funding bill that includes billions of dollars in additional vital aid to Ukraine.

According to US House GOP Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the Ukrainian President's speech was "good". However, Mr. McCarthy wants to ensure there is "accountability" for any aid the US provides to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President's visit to the United States.