Ukrainian President to US Congress: key takeaways

The United States Congress gave a standing ovation 21 times during the speech of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for joint action against russia's aggression.

Rubryka reports, citing the broadcast of the speech of Ukraine's Head of State in Congress.

During the speech, Zelensky thanked the American people for their support. The Ukrainian leader also appealed for more help. He told in what conditions Ukrainians lived during the russian aggression.

At the end of his speech, Zelensky handed over a battle flag from Bakhmut, the flashpoint city in the Donetsk region, to Congress as an expression of gratitude for the help.

After that, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi presented Zelensky with a United States flag.

Five key points from his speech to Congress:

• "Your money is not charity. It's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelensky called for continued financial support from the US, addressing Congress.
• He also called on members of Congress to strengthen sanctions against russia and "let the terrorist state be held responsible for its terror and aggression." The president said that American leader Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan. However, he added that every member of Congress could help in implementation.
• The russians are "using everything" against Ukrainian cities such as Bakhmut, but "Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelensky said to thunderous applause.

"Last year, 70,000 people lived here in Bakhmut, in this city, and now only few civilians stay. Every inch of that land is soaked in blood; roaring guns sound every hour. Trenches in the Donbas change hands several times a day in fierce combat, and even hand fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands," he said.

• "Even if there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out," said Zelensky. He emphasized that Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the atrocities of the war.
• The president ended his speech by saying that Ukraine will achieve "absolute victory."

"Ukraine is alive and kicking," the Ukrainian leader repeated his words from the beginning of his speech.

The following year, 2023, was called decisive in the war by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an address to the US Congress in Washington, the EP correspondent reports.

The president emphasized that Ukraine's struggle continues, and the Kremlin must be defeated on the battlefield.

"Our two nations are allies in this battle. And next year will be a turning point, I know it, the point when Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom, the freedom of people who stand for their values," said Zelensky.

Zelensky emphasized that this battle cannot be frozen, postponed, or ignored, hoping "that the ocean itself will protect you."

"From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from Africa to Australia, the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stay aside and at the same time to feel safe when such a battle continues," Zelensky emphasized.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden believes that the support of Ukraine's allies will not change against the background of russia's full-scale invasion next year.