Zelenskyy in the US: Western support for Ukraine is an investment

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - After meeting with US President Joseph Biden, the Ukrainian president headed to the US Congress to express gratitude to the American people for the assistance that has been sent to Ukraine and to secure bipartisan support.

The assurances he received from Biden sound more convincing if both Republican and Democratic congressmen stand behind them. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the American lawmakers who welcomed him with enthusiasm during his first visit to the country's capital since the start of the war in Ukraine, said that despite all predictions, his country still exists, thanking Americans for helping to finance the war effort with money that is "not for charity," but an "investment" in global security and democracy.

The visit to Washington - his first known trip outside his country since Russia invaded in February - aimed to strengthen support for his country in the US and around the world at a time when there are concerns that allies are tired of the costly war and disruptions in global food and energy supplies, AP assesses.

Zelenskyy said that tens of billions of dollars in US military and economic aid provided over the past year have been vital to Ukraine's efforts to deter Russia and called for more aid in the future. "Your money is not charity," he tried to reassure both those in the room and those watching on small screens. "It is an investment in global security and democracy that we are handling in the most responsible way," said the Ukrainian president.

Generous Host Immediately before his arrival, the US announced a new military aid package of $1.8 billion, including for the first time surface-to-air missiles, or Patriot systems.

Congress planned to vote this week on a new spending package that includes about $45 billion in additional emergency aid to Ukraine.

The speech in Congress followed President Joseph Biden hosting the Ukrainian president at the White House for strategy consultations, saying that the US and Ukraine will maintain their "united defense" as Russia wages a "brutal attack on Ukraine's right to exist as a nation." Biden pledged to help establish a "just peace," AP reports. Zelenskyy told Biden that he wanted to visit earlier and that his visit shows that the
"situation is under control, thanks to your support." Zelenskyy traveled to Washington on a US Air Force plane. Both sides had long wanted this visit, but the right conditions only emerged in the last 10 days, US officials said. Zelenskyy spent less than 10 hours in Washington before heading back to Ukraine.

In his address to the deputies, Zelenskky referred to American victories in the Battle of the Bulge, a turning point against Nazi Germany in World War II, and the revolutionary Battle of Saratoga, an American victory that helped France provide aid for US independence. The Ukrainian leader predicted that the next year would be a "turning point" in the conflict, "when Ukrainian courage and American determination must guarantee the future of our common freedom - the freedom of people who stand up for their values."

Zelenskyy received thunderous applause from members of Congress and presented lawmakers with a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines in Bakhmut. The flag was held behind him as he spoke by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris. Pelosi, in turn, gave the guest from Ukraine an American flag that flew over the Capitol that day, which he waved as he left the hall.

Emphasizing in his speech that Ukraine "will never surrender," Zelenskyy warned that the stakes of the conflict are greater than the fate of his nation - that democracy around the world is being tested. "This battle cannot be ignored, in the hope that the ocean or something else will provide protection," he said, speaking in English for what he called "a speech to Americans."

Just Peace

Earlier, at a joint press conference with Biden, Zelenskyy was pressed by journalists on how Ukraine would try to end the conflict. He rejected Biden's premise of finding a "just peace," saying that for him, "as president, 'just peace' is not any compromise." He said the war would end when Ukraine's sovereignty, freedom, and territorial integrity were restored, and Russia paid Ukraine for all the damage done. "There can be no 'just peace' in a war that has been imposed on us," he added.

Biden, for his part, said that Russia is "trying to use winter as a weapon, but the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world." During the press conference, he said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has no intention of stopping this cruel war." The two leaders seemed to have a close relationship, laughing at each other's comments and patting each other on the back throughout the visit, although Zelenskyy made it clear that he would continue to pressure Biden and other Western leaders for even greater support, AP notes. He said that after the Patriot system becomes operational, he would "send another signal to President Biden that Ukraine would like to receive more Patriots." "We are at war," Zelenskyy added with a smile, as Biden laughed at the direct request.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." Biden told his guest that it was important for the American people and the world to hear directly from him about Ukraine's struggle and the need to continue together throughout 2023. How did Zelenskyy get to the US?
Polish private broadcaster TVN24 reported that Zelenskyy crossed into Poland early Wednesday en route to Washington. They showed footage of what appeared to be Zelenskyy arriving at a train station and being escorted to a convoy of US SUVs. TVN24 states that the video, partially blurred for security reasons, was filmed in Przemysl, a Polish border town that has been a point of arrival for many refugees fleeing the war. Officials were concerned about security and were cautious about the Ukrainian president's travel plans, but a US official confirmed that Zelenskyy arrived on a US Air Force plane that landed at Joint Base Andrews, near the capital, from the Polish city of Rzeszow. Continuation of the war and bipartisan support. US and Ukrainian officials have made it clear that they do not foresee a quick resolution to the war and are preparing for continued fighting for some time, AP assesses.

The latest infusion of US money into the Ukrainian budget would be the largest to date and would exceed Biden's request of $37 billion. Biden reiterated that the US would arm and train Ukraine, but US forces would not be directly involved in the war. The latest US military aid package includes not only Patriot systems but also precision-guided bombs for fighter jets, US officials said. The visit comes at an important time, as the White House prepares for greater resistance from Republicans who will take control of the House of Representatives in January. Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California has said his party will not write a "blank check" for Ukraine.

Zelenskky seemed well aware of the political divisions in the US and urged members of the House and Senate to ensure that American leadership remains "bipartisan and bicameral."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer opened the House session on Wednesday, saying that passing the aid package and confirming the new US ambassador to Russia, Lynne M. Tracy, would send a strong signal that Americans stand "unambiguously" with Ukraine. Tracy's appointment was later confirmed by a vote of 93-2.

The top Senate Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said that the "most fundamental reasons for continuing to help Ukraine are to degrade and defeat the Russian invaders, cold, hard, practical American interests." He said that "victory over Russian aggression will help prevent further security crises in Europe."