Zelensky speech today LIVE – Ukrainian president asks Congress to ‘close the sky’ after Putin and Russia’s invasion
UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Congress today in a dramatic speech calling for further help fighting back against Russia that included a graphic video.
Zelensky’s live-streamed address Wednesday into the Capitol is part of a very public strategy in his fight to stop Russia.
His address featured the display of a graphic video that included tragic footage from the conflict in Ukraine, including disturbing photographs of civilian casualties of the war, destroyed buildings, and terrifying images of military attacks there.
He called on the US to “close the sky” to prevent the Russian airstrikes that are devastating Ukraine, which President Joe Biden and other Western leaders have so far refused to do to avoid a direct confrontation with Putin’s Russia.
Biden will deliver his own address following Zelensky’s speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official.
That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion.
Read our Zelensky speech live blog for the latest news and updates…
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‘Unwavering commitment’
Nancy Pelosi reacted to Zelensky’s speech over on Twitter, noting the United State’s “commitment” to the Ukrainian people.
“This morning, Members of the House and Senate had the distinct privilege of receiving a virtual address by President @ZelenskyyUa,” she tweeted.
“Congress and the country remain unwavering in our commitment to the people of Ukraine as they courageously defend democracy.”
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‘Something we can unite around’
On Twitter, Rep Andy Kim from New Jersey reacted to Zelensky’s address to Congress.
“I hope all Americans can agree with @ZelenskyyUa that ‘To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,'” he wrote.
“That is something we can unite around. There is more we can do to help the Ukrainian people in their time of greatest need.”
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How long was the speech?
Zelensky didn’t speak for long, but his address led to strong reactions on social media and from many US politicians.
He began speaking right around 9am ET and was done before 9.15.
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‘Flooded with our blood’
Zelensky asked that Russians “don’t receive a single penny” from any American company during his speech.
He told Congress. “All American ports should be closed to Russian goods.”
“Leave the [Russian] market because it is flooded with our blood,” he said.
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‘I need to protect our sky’
During his speech, Zelensky asked for a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
“Is this a lot to ask for to create a no-fly zone over Ukraine?” Zelensky asked Congress.
“If this is too much to ask, you know what type of defense systems we need.”
“I have a need. I need to protect our sky,” he said.
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Sen Blumenthal: ‘Action, not just more words’
“Respond to Zelenskyy’s plea today with action, not just more words,” Senator Richard Blumenthal on Twitter.
“More anti tank & anti aircraft missiles, anti air batteries, drones, planes, & more to fight Russia’s bombing reign of terror.”
“Every day matters, as Ukraine bravely struggles for survival. Act now.”
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Defending values
“Today the Ukrainian people are defending not only Ukraine, we are fighting to defend the values of Europe and the world,” Zelensky told Congress during his speech.
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A September 11th ‘every day’
Zelensky asked Congress to “remember Pearl Harbor” and “remember September 11th,” saying that his country “experiences the same every day.”
“Right now, at this moment, every night,” he said.
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More about U24
Zelensky called for a new coalition during his speech called U24.
U24, or United for Peace, would be a coalition of 24 countries that could intervene in a conflict in 24 hours.
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Speech concludes
Zelensky’s speech to Congress has now concluded and Congress gave him a standing ovation.
Some members of Congress remain in the room where they were addressed, seemingly discussing the speech.
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Standing ovation
At the end of the speech, Zelensky received a standing, bipartisan ovation from Congress.
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Zelensky addresses Biden
At the end of his speech, Zelensky appealed directly to President Biden, asking him to be a “leader of peace.”
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Zelensky appeals for leadership
“Today, to be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” Zelensky told Congress in English.
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Zelensky switches to English
Zelensky then switched to English to beg Congress to be leaders.
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‘Close the sky over Ukraine’
The video ended with a simple message: “Close the sky over Ukraine.”
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Graphic video shown to Congress
Zelensky then asked Congress to watch a video that depicted the attacks in his country.
It included graphic images of bombings, injured civilians, destroyed buildings, and what appeared to be dead Ukrainians.
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U24
Zelensky also seemed to call for a new union of countries for peace called U24.
He suggested it could offer political and humanitarian support during conflict or natural disasters within 24 hours.
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Aircraft and anti-aircraft weapons
Zelensky asked for aircraft and anti-aircraft weapons from the United States during his speech.
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American port closure?
Zelensky also asked that American ports be closed to Russian imports.
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More sanctions
Zelensky also asked for more sanctions in Russia.
He asked all American companies to leave the Russian market.
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Zelensky quotes MLK Jr
During his speech, Zelensky quoted Martin Luther King Jr and his famous “I have a dream” speech.
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No-fly zone
Zelensky asked for a no-fly zone during his speech.
He said if the United States cannot call for that, Ukraine needs more aircraft to help fight off Russia.
“I need to protect our sky,” he said.
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1000 missiles
Zelensky claimed Russia has already used 1000 missiles in Ukraine and asked Congress for help.
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September 11
Zelensky appealed to Congress by asking them to remember Pearl Harbor and September 11.
“You could not stop it,” he said.
“Our country experiences the same every day.”
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Zelensky appeals to Congress
Zelensky appealed to Congress and said Ukrainians want the same thing for their people that they do, including things like democracy and freedom.
