On a visit to Washington that lasted a few hours

Zelensky before Congress: Aid is an "investment" and "not charity"

  • The Ukrainian President handed Nancy Pelosi a Ukrainian flag from the city of Pakhmut in eastern Ukraine, which was strewn with autographs of soldiers.

    Reuters

  • Pelosi presented Zelensky with an American flag that had been hoisted over the Capitol, the seat of Congress.

    Reuters

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The day before yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed, in a historic speech he delivered before the US Congress in both houses, that US assistance to Kiev is “not charity” but rather an “investment in global security and democracy,” after he received the support of President Joe Biden.

And 300 days after the start of the Russian war on Ukraine on February 24, Zelensky was given a hero's welcome on his first trip abroad since then, amid exceptional security measures.

The visit lasted a few hours, during which Biden promised him new financial assistance, and for the first time, with the Patriot air defense system.

At the beginning of the speech, which he delivered in English, and in a tone full of seriousness, all members of Congress stood and applauded for a long time for Zelensky, who, as he had done since the war began, wore a khaki sweater and pants and brown boots during his visit to Washington.

Addressing US lawmakers, Zelensky said, “I would like to thank you, thank you very much, for the financial assistance that you have provided us and that you may decide” to provide later.

He added, "Your money is not charity, it is an investment in global security and democracy, and we manage it in the most responsible way."

"Contrary to the worst expectations, Ukraine did not fall," he said.

Ukraine is alive and fighting,” stressing that his forces “are steadfast in their positions and will never surrender.”

Likewise, in his speech, the Ukrainian president linked the war that Russia is waging against his country, and the threat posed by Iran to US allies in the region, considering them to be “terrorist” countries, thus tickling the feelings of the Republican camp, which strongly condemns Democratic President Biden for his leniency with Tehran.

After that, the Ukrainian president handed Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and US Vice President Kamala Harris a Ukrainian flag from the city of Pakhmut in eastern Ukraine, which is considered the hottest point on the front and was filled with the signatures of soldiers.

Pelosi and Harris responded to this greeting in the same way, as they presented Zelensky with an American flag that was raised above the Capitol building, the seat of Congress, on Wednesday, on the occasion of this historic visit.

Zelensky stressed that the "just peace" does not include "any settlement" on Ukraine's territorial integrity.

• In his speech, the Ukrainian president linked the war waged by Russia against his country, and the threat posed by Iran to the US allies in the region.

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