WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stepped out of his country for the first time ever since the Kremlin launched its so-called special military operation in February this year.
At an address at the US Congress, he thanked U.S. lawmakers for their financial support of his country in its fight against Russia and pledged that there would be “no compromises” in trying to bring an end to the war.
“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelensky said, prompting a standing ovation from many in the audience” His statement came as the US is finalizing a new $45 billion package for Ukraine, where in he assured that US money to Ukraine is not a charity but an investment. The US is determined to send Ukraine a Patriot missile battery as part of a $1.85 billion weapons package, adding to the more than $21 billion in military assistance the U.S. has sent over since the start of the war.
Zelensky addressed members of Congress after meeting with President Biden in the Oval Office as part of an unprecedented trip.
“Financial assistance is also critically important, and I would like to thank you, thank you very much, thank you for both the financial packages you have already provided us with and the ones you may be willing to decide on,” Zelensky told lawmakers during the speech.
The Ukrainian president called U.S. aid, both funds, and weapons, “crucial” to help Ukraine stand up to Russia, but also “to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield.”
On the same note, US President Joe Biden promised his Ukrainian counterpart that Kyiv will “never stand alone,” as Volodymyr Zelensky took a hard line on the return of all territory seized by Russian forces.