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WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday immediately appealed for long-term US help on his first international journey since Russia’s invasion, saying assist was not “charity” and had helped maintain his nation “alive and kicking”. 300 days after Russian chief Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine with hopes of swift conquest, Zelensky loved a hero’s welcome on a lightning journey to Washington the place President Joe Biden dedicated almost $1.8 billion in army provides together with, for the primary time, the Patriot missile protection system.
Zelensky – whose media savvy and rugged demeanor have helped rally world opinion – wore his trademark inexperienced army fatigues as he held talks on the White Home and addressed Congress, the place he handed over a Ukrainian flag recent from the battlefield. As Congress finalizes a brand new package deal of $45 billion, Zelensky voiced gratitude and mentioned that the brand new 12 months would mark the “turning level” within the battle towards Russia.
“In opposition to all odds and doom-and-gloom eventualities,” Zelensky mentioned in a speech that drew standing ovations. “Ukraine is alive and kicking. Your cash is just not charity. It’s an funding within the international safety and democracy that we deal with in essentially the most accountable manner,” Zelensky mentioned. Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who welcomed Zelensky in one among her final acts earlier than Republicans take management, likened the deal with to Winston Churchill’s Christmas-time go to in 1941 days after the Pearl Harbor assault – and the Ukrainian chief was unafraid to encourage the parallels.
Evaluating Ukrainian forces to Individuals on the frontlines in World Conflict II and the Revolutionary Conflict, Zelensky mentioned that Russians “burn and destroy every thing” in a manner “just like the opposite tyranny” of Hitler. “Ukraine holds its traces and can by no means give up,” Zelensky mentioned to applause. Ukraine enjoys large help in the US however a number of hard-right Republicans have been important, contemplating the help a giveaway of taxpayer cash.
Kevin McCarthy, prone to turn out to be speaker subsequent month after a slim Republican election victory, has warned he won’t give a “clean cheque” to Ukraine, a remark seen as trying to mollify his proper flank. Biden, carrying a tie within the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, affectionately put his hand over the wartime chief’s shoulder as he noticed him for the primary time in particular person for the reason that struggle started.
“You’ll by no means stand alone,” Biden informed him at a joint information convention. “The American individuals are with you each step of the way in which and we’ll stick with you – we’ll stick with you – for so long as it takes.” Biden mentioned that Individuals “perceive in our bones that Ukraine’s battle is a part of one thing a lot larger”. “Collectively I’ve little doubt we’ll maintain the flame of liberty burning vivid and the sunshine will stay and prevail over the darkness.”
Biden permitted one other $1.85 billion from beforehand budgeted funds for Ukraine, together with Patriots which may shoot down cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. Ukraine fears a rising onslaught of missiles and has confronted a slew of assaults from drones, many purchased by Russia from Iran, as Moscow pummels energy vegetation and different civilian infrastructure simply because the nation shivers within the winter chilly.
Zelensky in his speech to Congress performed up the function of Iran, towards which Republicans nearly universally favor a tough line. Zelensky flew in secret to the US straight after a dangerous go to to the frontline in Bakhmut, the place Ukrainian and Russian troops have each endured heavy tolls over the previous two months. He offered Biden with an award from a captain on the bottom working a HIMARS rocket system, which has been a game-changer on the battlefront. “He’s very courageous and he mentioned, give it to a really courageous president,” Zelensky mentioned.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that new weapons deliveries would result in an “aggravation of the battle” and don’t “bode properly for Ukraine”. Talking with senior army officers throughout a televised deal with, President Vladimir Putin mentioned Russia’s fight capabilities “are growing continually”. “What is occurring is, in fact, a tragedy – our shared tragedy. However it isn’t the results of our coverage. It’s the results of the coverage of third nations,” he mentioned.
The USA and Ukraine scoff at recommendations the invasion was attributable to something apart from Putin. Each Biden and Zelensky mentioned they supported a “simply peace” – however the Ukrainian chief made clear he won’t be pressured into any territorial compromise with Russia, which additionally seized the Crimean peninsula in 2014. “For me as a president, simply peace is not any compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my nation,” Zelensky mentioned. “As a father, I want to emphasize – what number of dad and mom misplaced their little kids on the frontlines? So what’s ‘simply peace’ for them?” – AFP
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