Ukraine news latest: Defiant Zelensky says country will never surrender to Russia as Biden confirms US military support
UKRAINIAN leader Volodymyr Zelensky remained defiant as he swore Ukraine would never surrender to Russia during his address to US Congress, which ended with a standing ovation.
Zelensky gave an impassioned speech, telling representatives: “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
He also warned that Russia has a significant military advantage with more missiles, planes, and weapons. Zelensky noted that United States‘ support is crucial for Ukraine to win on the battlefield.
But the Ukrainian leader said that his people remain hopeful and won’t let the war stop them from celebrating the holidays.
“Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas even if there is no electricity. The light or our faith in ourselves will not be put out,” he said.
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest news…
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Congress shows love for Ukraine
Members of Congress hold up the Ukrainian flag as President Zelensky delivered an impassionate speech.
Congress members hold a Ukrainian flag as Ukraineâs President Volodymyr Zelensky arrivesCredit: AFP -
Congressman supports Biden’s plan to support Ukraine
NY Congressman Ritchie Torres has posted his support for President Biden’s decision to help the country of Ukraine.
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Donald Trump Jr’s opinion of Volodymyr Zelensky
Donald Trump Jr took to Twitter to share his opinion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Pictures from Zelensky’s address to US Congress
Pictures show Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky addressing Congress at the US Capitol. At one point, he received a standing ovation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addresses CongressCredit: Getty Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the US Congress as US Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) applaudCredit: AFP -
Zelensky’s big speech
President Zelensky reads from his speech he delivered Wednesday evening to Congress.
Ukraineâs President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses Congress at the US CapitolCredit: Reuters -
Zelensky talks comparisons between Putin and Hitler
Volodymyr Zelensky likened Putin to Hitler while insisting Ukraine needs more weapons as he addressed Congress.
The war leader was greeted with a standing ovation as he defiantly said Ukraine was “alive and kicking” despite Putin‘s invasion.
In a rousing speech at the Capitol, Zelensky appealed to Americans by referencing former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served between 1933 and 1945, and efforts to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.
He said: “Just like the brave American soldiers, which gave their lives and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same this Christmas.”
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Quotes from President Zelensky’s address to Congress
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky had many memorable quotes from his address to Congress.
Below are some of his powerful and moving quotes in his speech Wednesday evening.
“This battle cannot be ignored, hoping that the ocean or something else will provide protection.”
“These battles are not only for the territory, the battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation which Russia attempts to conquer.
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Russia meets with China
An ally of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia met with China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, on Wednesday.
This comes the same day Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky met with President Biden and addressed Congress.
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Biden enjoys visit with President Zelensky
President Biden posted to his Twitter an hour ago once again showing support for Ukraine after meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday.
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Thank you America
Zelensky thanked the US for its support and said it was a “privilege” to speak to Americans.
He said: “It is a great honor 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.
“We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the world.”
Zelensky went on to say Russians “will stand a chance to be free only when they defeat the Kremlin in their minds.”
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Help is on the way
Congress finalized a new package of $45 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine on top of some $50 billion already sent this year.
Joe Biden on Wednesday also unveiled another $1.85 billion in military aid for Ukraine including a Patriot air defence system to help it ward off barrages of Russian missiles.
But some Republicans, who will take control of the House of Representatives from Democrats on January 3, have expressed concerns about the price tag.
They could hold up billions of dollars in war aid starting next month.
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President Zelensky shows support for United States
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky holds up an American flag with a smile after US agrees to send over patriot-missles.
WASHINGTON, DC â DECEMBER 21: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky receives an American flag from U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Vice President Kamala HarrisCredit: Getty -
Pelosi shows love
Nancy Pelosi embraces President Zelensky after his address to Congress.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky hugs U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)Credit: Getty -
Kamala Harris and President Zelensky
Vice President Kamala Harris greets Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky with a sweet handshake.
Ukraineâs President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) greets US Vice President Kamala Harris before addressing the US Congress at the US CapitolCredit: AFP -
Important parts of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress, conclusion
Even after all the attacks from the Russians on Ukrainian soil Zelensky said they will stay resilient.
“We’ll celebrate Christmas even without electricity — the light of our faith and ourselves will not be put out,” he said. “We will still sit down at the holiday table and we don’t have to know each other’s wish, it is all the same for Ukrainians: victory.”
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Important parts of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress, part III
He also warned the United States of the chance of possible Russian attacks down the line against allies.
Zelensky said: “It’s just a matter of time before they strike against your other allies.”
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Important parts of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress, continued
Zelensky praised the United States military and financial stance in the world.
He said, “Your decisions can save millions of people,”
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Important parts of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress
During his speech to the Congress at the US Capitol this evening he discussed America’s investment.
He said, “Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” he said. “Let the world see that the United States is here.”
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America shows support for Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky has a Ukrainian flag draped behind him held by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris as he addresses Congress.
Ukraineâs President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the US CongressCredit: AFP -
First trip to United States in a while
US president welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House Wednesday evening on his first known overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine 300 days ago.
Ukraine is being sent a huge $2 billion war chest by Joe Biden – including one of the most advanced US air defence systems.
The US has so far provided Kyiv with $19.3 billion in military help during the war.
But Biden has now unveiled almost $2 billion in further aid.
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Zelensky addresses Congress
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has just addressed Congress in his first visit to the U.S. since Russia invaded Ukraine last winter.
Ukraineâs President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the US Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DCCredit: AFP
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Will celebrate Christmas no matter what
Zelensky says Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas even if there is no electricity, the light, or our faith in ourselves will not be put out.
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The United States is here
Zelensky states let the world see the United States is here to help Ukraine.
Says millions of Ukrainians will have no heating or running water because of Russia drone attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure.
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Attacking allies
Zelensky said its a matter of time until Russia strikes against other allies and that they must be stopped now.
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Ukraine will never surrender
Zelensky says Ukraine will hold its lines and never surrender to a thunderous applause from Congress.
Says United States support is crucial for Ukraine to win against Russia on the battlefield.
