Guwahati: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said to members of the US Congress on Wednesday (local time), “Against all chances, and doom and gloom, Ukraine did not succumb. Ukraine is still thriving.
On his first international trip since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he addressed the US Congress to a standing ovation and stated, “It’s a real honour to be here to speak to you, and all Americans. Ukraine remained intact despite all prognostication to the contrary. Ukraine is still thriving. He declares, “We are fearless, and the first stage of the assault has been won by Ukraine. The Russian dictatorship no longer has authority over us.
Zelenskyy addressed members of the Congress after putting on a coordinated front with US President Joe Biden, who promised continuous assistance for Ukraine.
In his speech to Congress, Zelenskyy highlighted that the globe is too intertwined to overlook Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“This battle cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored, hoping that the ocean or something else will provide protection,” he said.
“From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from every country to Australia, the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stay aside and simultaneously feel safe when such a battle continues,” he said.
He also emphasised the ideals that the US and Ukraine share.
“Our two nations are allies in this battle. And next year will be a turning point, I know it when Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom. The freedom of people who stand for their values,” he said.
Zelenskyy gave a message of hope for the Ukrainian people during his address to the Congress, saying the Russians “use everything” against cities such as Bakhmut but Ukraine “never surrenders”.
The Russians “have been taking (the city of 70,000 people day and night, but Bakhmut stands,” Zelenskyy said to a roaring applause.
“Last year, 70,000 people lived there in Bakhmut… Now only a few civilians stay. Every inch of that land is soaked in blood… Donbas changed hands several times in fierce combat and even hand-fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands,” he said, as members gave him a standing ovation.
“Russians use everything, everything they have against Bakhmut and other of our beautiful cities, the occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery. They have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had. It’s true. But our defence forces stand,” he said.
More than 300 days into the conflict, Ukrainian soldiers are protecting their nation, but Zelenskyy warned Congress that more weaponry are necessary for them to triumph on the battlefield.
In order to attain these objectives, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine is fighting for “independence and freedom” but urged continuing help from the US.
“Here, the front line, the tyranny — which has no lack of cruelty against the lives of free people — and your support is crucial not just to stand in such fight but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield,” he said.
“We have artillery, yes, thank you. It enough? Honestly, not really,” he said.
Zelensky said Ukraine is fighting for its “independence and freedom” but called for the United States’ continued support to achieve those goals.
“Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender,” he said.
US President Joe Biden reaffirmed the US’ commitment to supporting Ukraine and said that as part of an additional USD 1.8 billion aid package, Kyiv will receive a Patriot missile defence system at an earlier press conference with Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy praised the Americans for their assistance and emphasised the importance of air defence systems in thwarting Russian assaults.