On Wednesday evening local time, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy visited the United States and delivered an emotional speech in the U.S. Congress. American party leaders compared it to ’s wartime requests during World War II. On the same day, Zelensky directly urged lawmakers to continue to provide weapons and assistance to help Ukraine resist Russia in the winter and beyond. In order to make Americans believe and move, Zelensky bluntly said: "Your money is not charity", "Every dollar in the United States is used for global security", "American justice will achieve absolute victory."
Wearing a combat uniform and combat boots, Zelensky stood on the podium in the House of Representatives chamber and spoke. In a roughly 20-minute speech, delivered entirely in English, the Ukrainian president conveyed the reasons for his continued support and emphasized his gratitude for everything provided, while saying it was not enough.
He said in his speech, "You can accelerate our victory, I know. Let the world see that America is here. Your support is crucial, not only to stand in a battle like this, but to reach the turning point and win on the battlefield. Yes, we have artillery . We have. Is this enough? To be honest, not really enough."
US media said that judging from the applause that echoed in the halls of the House of Representatives, this message was basically accepted. Hundreds of lawmakers packed the hall with "spectacular pomp" and even took selfies during the speech, many wearing royal blue and yellow blazers and scarves to pay tribute to Ukraine. As Zelensky entered the House chamber, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), with the help of other lawmakers, draped the flag over the seats.
The real test for Zelensky, however, was on the other side of the chamber, where several Republican skeptics, whose party would soon form the House majority, sat stoically throughout the speech, even as their colleagues stood and applauded. Incoming Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hearn poured cold water on Zelensky shortly after the speech. Hearn said, "I don't think it changed anyone's hearts and minds, and I think those who wholeheartedly supported Ukraine will continue to do that. People like me, we're going to continue to be stuck in ' We have to protect this country’s domain first.”
Some of the Republican resistance has been on display this week as Republican leaders work to pass a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that includes about $45 billion in aid to Ukraine. "Even across the board, we're protecting other countries' borders, not our own," Hearn said, pointing to other needs such as the U.S. southern border.
However, most members seemed particularly attentive when Zelensky spoke over Christmas of the energy shortages his country was suffering. Zelensky finally expressed his gratitude to Biden , the Senate and the House of Representatives for their financial and military support. "I'm grateful to every American family," Zelensky said.
He then presented a flag to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris . The flag was presented by soldiers in the frontline city of Bahmut. Pelosi kissed Zelensky's hand and cheek as she took the flag, and then raised it above her head with the help of Vice President Harris , and the entire hall of lawmakers "cheered."
Zelensky said Bakhmut, an important city in the Donbass region he visited on Tuesday, was a key region in urgent need of U.S. support. Sufficient assistance is needed to ensure that it is not just a stronghold for Russia to ensnare, but a city that is completely free from attacking forces. He said defending the city could be a turning point in the war.
