Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed the U.S. Congress for tanks, planes and more money to help repel Russia’s invasion, portraying the war as a battle of democracy against tyranny as he sought to win support from some skeptical Republican lawmakers.
In his first trip abroad since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Feb. 24, Zelenskyy told a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday evening that U.S. support had been crucial so far and predicted the year ahead will turn the tide in the war. He called for more sanctions and demanded that Russians responsible for the war be brought to justice.
"Your support is crucial, not just to stand in such a fight, but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield,” Zelenskyy said in a 27-minute speech that was repeatedly punctuated by standing ovations by lawmakers from both parties. "Your money is not charity, it’s investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”