Washington: Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to members of the US Congress on Wednesday, declaring, "Against all odds, and doom and gloom, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking."
On his first overseas trip following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he received a standing ovation after saying, "It's a great honour to be at the US Congress to speak to you, and all Americans. Against all odds, and doom and gloom, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking. We have no fear," he says, adding that Ukraine has won the first phase of the invasion. The Russian tyranny has lost control over us." Zelenskyy addressed members of the Congress after presenting a united front with US President Joe Biden, who assured continued support for Ukraine.
In his speech to Congress, Zelenskyy highlighted that the globe is too interconnected 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 highlighted the shared values of Ukraine and the United States
"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 war
More than 300 days into the war, soldiers in Ukraine are defending their country, but they need more weapons to win on the battlefield, Zelenskyy told the Congress.
"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.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden assured continued support to Ukraine in a news conference alongside Zelenskyy, announcing the US will send Kyiv a Patriot missile defence system as part of an additional USD 1.8 billion package of assistance.
Zelenskyy thanked Americans for their support and reiterated that air defence systems are crucial to countering Russian attacks.
Your money is not charity but an investment, says Zelensky
"Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," he said.
On Wednesday the US announced another security assistance package of USD1.85 billion. This includes the Patriot missile system, which is said to be the most advanced ground-based air defence system.
"We Ukrainians will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success," Zelensky said in his Congressional address, during which he unveiled a Ukrainian flag to the Congress.
"It (flag) is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are a united Ukraine, America and the entire free world," Zelenskyy said.
