In an emotional address to a joint session of the US Congress, in which he was warmly received despite skepticism from some pro-Trump lawmakers, Zelensky said, “Your money is not a charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we most value.” Handle it responsibly.”
The Ukrainian president made a half-day trip to Washington DC, flown here by a US military aircraft, to meet President Biden, key US lawmakers and address the American people, even as the US establishment largely but ended $45 billion in military support. Blocking Russia in the domestic spending bill. Biden also announced to send Patriot missile system to Ukraine to counter Russian missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: ‘We will never surrender’ on visit to United States
But Zelensky indicated more would be needed as some angered lawmakers and activists pointed out that the nearly $100 billion the US had committed to the war effort far exceeded Russia’s $65 billion annual defense budget.
“$100 billion to Ukraine. Let’s put this into perspective. That’s over $200 million from each congressional district this year. What would your congressmen do for your district with the $200 million? How long will the kids in your district pay interest on it?” Will pay the debt?” asked Republican Congressman Thomas Massey, who said Americans are “so tired of funding this war.”
Massey was among several lawmakers on the right who boycotted Zelensky’s address, while other pro-Trump lawmakers such as Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz did not join in the ovation from the majority, drawn from both parties.
Zelensky also came under attack from Trump Jr., the son of former President Donald Trump, who called her “an ungrateful international welfare queen”, while Fox News host Tucker Carlson accused her of “demanding money like a strip club manager”. accused of. States’ own agony.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky receives a hero’s welcome at the White House on his first foreign trip since Russia’s invasion
But Zelensky, clad in a camouflage olive green sweatshirt, struck an emotional chord among many moderate lawmakers on both sides, then warned that the fight to defeat Russia “cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored.” , hoping that the ocean or something would provide protection.”
“From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from Africa to Australia, the world is so interconnected and interdependent that no one is allowed to remain isolated and at the same time feel safe while such fighting continues.” is,” he warned, invoking the sad image of a cold, dark Christmas that Ukrainians will endure in their pursuit of victory, even as Russia destroys its energy infrastructure.
Zelensky also tried to infuriate US lawmakers by drawing attention to what he presented as a “terrorist” alliance between Russia and Iran.
Despite the emotional bond between Zelensky and establishment politicians in Washington, there is growing unease among the American public about controlling another far-flung war.
Hours after meeting with Zelensky, President Biden, who pulled out of Afghanistan because he did not want the US to be involved in an “endless war”, tweeted that the US would continue to support the Ukrainian people “as long as it takes”. committed to.