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| Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who addressed a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the US Congress, held an American flag presented to him under the gaze of Vice President Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He presented Congress with a Ukrainian flag from the front. (21 December 2022) |
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said in a speech to the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives in a speech to US Congress on the evening of Wednesday (December 21) US time that Ukraine has overcome all difficulties and is still standing. Before addressing Congress, he met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. This is his first known trip abroad since Russia’s massive invasion of Ukraine in late February. In Washington, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the President of the United States, members of Congress, and the American people for their support.
“It is a great honor for me to visit the U.S. Congress and address you and all Americans,” he said. Despite all sorts of pessimistic and desperate presuppositions, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is still tenaciously alive. ”
“In the battle for the hearts and minds of the world, we defeated Russia,” he said.
At the US Capitol, lawmakers stood up and applauded Zelensky. In an English-language speech, he declared that Ukraine “will never surrender.” Zelensky thanked the United States for its support but said Ukraine needed more weapons and ammunition.
He also warned that the conflict is not only about the fate of Ukraine, but also testing democracy around the world.
“This battle cannot be ignored and cannot be hoped that the ocean or anything else will provide protection,” he said.
On Tuesday, Zelensky visited the front-line city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. During his speech, he presented to the US Congress a Ukrainian flag signed by Bakhmut’s front-line officers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi presented Zelensky with an American flag hoisted by Congress on the day of his visit.
Before addressing Congress, Zelensky met with US President Joe Biden at the White House.
“The people of Ukraine continue to inspire the world,” Biden said. Inspire not only us, but the world, with their courage and how they choose to meet the future with their resilience and determination.
He said the American people and the Ukrainian people “stand together proudly.”
(This article draws on reports from The Associated Press and Reuters.)
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