Volodymyr Zelensky gave the address to a joint session of the US Senate and House of Representatives during a surprise visit to the United States on Wednesday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Dressed in his signature olive-green, military-style trousers and sweater, Zelensky was greeted in Congress with a standing ovation, and his defiant speech frequently drew applause from US lawmakers, according to news outlets.
Speaking in English, Zelensky referred to America’s World War II-era President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the drive to liberate Europe from Nazi German occupation.
He said: "Just like the brave American soldiers, who gave their lives and fought back Hitler's forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same this Christmas."
The Ukrainian leader called on members of Congress to continue to provide security assistance as his country battles the Russian onslaught.
'Your money is not charity'
He stressed: “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 that America could "speed up" Ukraine's victory over the Kremlin’s invasion by providing more weaponry.
He added: "We have artillery, yes, thank you. Is it enough? Not really. To ensure Bakhmut is not just a stronghold that holds back the Russian army - but for the Russian army to pull out completely - more cannons and shells are needed.”
"Russia could stop its aggression, really, if it wanted to. But you can speed up our victory, I know it," the Ukrainian leader said at the Capitol.
His speech came as US lawmakers were set to finalise USD 45 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine in 2023, after some USD 50 billion was sent this year, according to officials.
In addition, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled another USD 1.85 billion in military aid, including a battery of the Patriot air defence system, to help Ukraine protect itself against Russian missile and drone attacks.
However, there have been concerns that, as Republicans take control of the House of Representatives as of the new year, war aid for Ukraine could be delayed, news outlets reported.
Zelensky received another ovation when he vowed that Ukraine would "never surrender" to the Russian invasion, warning that more was at stake in the war than the fate of his nation.
'Against all doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall'
He stated: "This battle cannot be ignored, hoping that the ocean or something else will provide protection."
Zelensky thanked the United States for its support, saying that it was a "privilege" to speak to Americans.
He said: "It is a great honour for me to be at the US Congress and speak to you and all Americans. Against all doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall.”
“Ukraine is alive and kicking,” he added.
"We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the world," Zelensky also said.
He told Congress that the struggle against Russia’s attempts to conquer other nations would "define in what world our children and grandchildren will live and then their children and grandchildren.”
"It will define whether it will be a democracy of Ukrainians, and for Americans, for all," Zelensky concluded.
At the end of his speech, Ukraine’s president presented Congress with a flag of his country, which he had received from troops defending the eastern Ukrainian frontline city of Bakhmut, the PAP news agency reported.
Thursday is day 302 of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, forbes.com, thesun.co.uk, president.gov.ua