This is the strongest image of a marathon day.
In a historic speech to the US Congress, Volodymyr Zelensky assured Wednesday evening that Ukraine will "never surrender" before handing Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi a flag signed by the defenders of Bakhmout.
Long applauded by almost all elected officials, the Ukrainian president, dressed in his traditional khaki outfit, tried to convince the Republicans, who will be the majority in the House from January, to continue to support kyiv financially and militarily.
“Not charity but an investment”
“Contrary to the most dire predictions, Ukraine has not fallen.
Ukraine is alive and fighting.
She holds her positions and will never surrender, ”launched Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Russian tyranny no longer has control over us", he said again, acclaimed several times during a vibrant speech of about twenty minutes, which concluded his very first trip abroad. since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Beyond the lyricism, the Ukrainian president has tried to convince Congress, which will partially switch to the side of the Republicans in January, to continue its massive aid.
“I would like to thank you, thank you very much for the financial aid that you have given us and that which you may decide,” he said.
"Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security and democracy, which we manage in the most responsible way," Volodymyr Zelensky said, in response to concerns expressed by some conservative officials who no longer want a "blank check" for kyiv.
And this at a time when parliamentarians must approve a massive new package of nearly $45 billion in humanitarian and military assistance for Ukraine.
Standing ovation and offered flag
At the end of his speech, Volodymyr Zelensky turned to the leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and to Vice-President Kamala Harris, who chaired this exceptional session.
The moment Zelensky hands Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi a Ukrainian flag given to him by soldiers defending Bakhmout on video.
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— Philippe Berry (@ptiberry) December 22, 2022
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“When I was in Bakhmout yesterday (a town in the east ravaged by fighting) our heroes gave me the flag, their flag.
The banner of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives,” he stressed, before handing over to the leaders the blue and yellow flag, covered with the signatures of soldiers.
In return, they presented him with an American flag that was hoisted atop the Capitol on Wednesday to mark his historic visit.
Patriot missiles
A little earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky had spoken with Joe Biden before answering questions from journalists.
“You will never be alone”, assured the American president, promising to support Ukraine “as long as it is necessary”.
But he also indicated that if he did not send to Ukraine the more powerful armaments which it claims, in particular long-range missiles, it was for the sake of preserving this alliance.
Moment light on a serious response, a reporter asks Biden if the US who said 'No Patriot', can't now give all that Kyiv is asking for.
"His answer is yes," Biden said, turning to Zelensky.
Who says laughingly "I agree".
pic.twitter.com/Zmo4fVqQDS
— Philippe Berry (@ptiberry) December 21, 2022
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The Europeans "do not want to go to war with Russia", he said.
In this context, if the Americans began to deliver equipment of another type to kyiv, this could "fracture NATO", feared Joe Biden.
Volodymyr Zelensky, however, welcomed the announcement by the United States of a Patriot air defense system, the most sophisticated of the American army.
"This is a very important step to create a safe airspace for Ukraine," he told reporters, according to an interpreter's translation.
The Ukrainian President, in response to what he meant by a "just peace" for Ukraine, was very clear: this will be done without "any compromise on the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country ".
World
War in Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky
Joe Biden
Russia
Vladimir Poutine