- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew to the United States after a risky visit to the frontline, where both Ukraine and Russia have endured heavy tolls in constant shooting and shelling over the past two months
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly appealed for long-term US support on his first foreign trip since Russia’s invasion, saying aid was not “charity” and had helped keep his country “alive and kicking.”
Three hundred days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine with hopes of swift conquest, Mr Zelenskyy enjoyed a hero’s welcome on Thursday, on a lightning trip to Washington where US President Joe Biden committed nearly $1.85 billion ($A2.76 billion) in military supplies including, for the first time, the Patriot missile defence system.
Mr Zelenskyy – whose media savvy and rugged demeanour has helped rally world opinion – wore his trademark green military fatigues as he held talks at the White House and addressed Congress, where he handed over a Ukrainian flag from the battlefield.
‘Ukraine will never surrender’
As Congress finalises a new package of $45 billion ($A67 billion), Mr Zelenskyy voiced gratitude and said that the new year would mark the “turning point” in the fight against Russia.
“Against all odds and doom-and-gloom scenarios,” Mr Zelenskyy said in a speech that drew standing ovations, “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”
“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Mr Zelenskyy said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who welcomed Mr Zelenskyy in one of her last acts before Republicans take control, likened the address to Winston Churchill’s Christmas-time visit in 1941 days after the Pearl Harbour attack – and the Ukrainian leader was unafraid to encourage the parallels.
Comparing Ukrainian forces to Americans on the frontlines in the Second World War and the Revolutionary War, Mr Zelenskyy said that Russians “burn and destroy everything” in a way “similar to the other tyranny” of Adolf Hitler.
“Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender,” Mr Zelenskyy said to applause.
Ukraine enjoys wide support in the United States but several hard-right Republicans have been critical, considering the aid a giveaway of taxpayer money.
Kevin McCarthy, likely to become speaker next month after a narrow Republican election victory, has warned he will not give a “blank cheque” to Ukraine, a comment seen as attempting to mollify his right flank.
SBS News