Zelenskyy to Congress: ‘Ukraine is alive and kicking’

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Wednesday in Washington as part of a visit aimed at underscoring the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country.

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Later Wednesday, Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of Congress, hours after Biden announced “a significant new package of security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.”

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Addressing Congress: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of Congress as Vice President Kamala Harris, top left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi watched. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Update 7:51 p.m. EST Dec. 21: Speaking before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told U.S. lawmakers that his country was “alive and kicking.” came to Capitol Hill with a strong message: “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

Zelenskyy, who met with President Joe Biden earlier in the day, was received with a rousing ovation from members of Congress.

“Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall” Zelenskyy told Congress. “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

Zelenskyy also compared his country’s dogged determination to the U.S. troops encircled at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II 78 years ago this month.

“Ukraine will never surrender,” Zelenskky said.

Just like the “brave American soldiers which held their lines” and fought against Hitler’s Nazi Germany in 1944, Ukrainian soldiers “are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy also emphasized the shared values between his country and the U.S.

“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,” Zelenskyy said. “The freedom of people who stand for their values.”

Zelenskyy added that the money that has been sent to Ukraine by Congress “is not charity” but “an investment in the security and democracy.” He also made a plea to lawmakers for more support and to implement tougher sanctions on Russia.

“You can strengthen sanctions to make Russia feel how ruinous its aggression truly is,” Zelenskyy said. “It is in your power, really, to help us bring to justice everyone who started this unprovoked and criminal war. Let’s do it. Let the terrorist be held responsible for aggression, and compensate all losses done by this war.”

The president also presented a Ukrainian flag to lawmakers as a symbol of thanks to Congress. The flag was signed by front-line troops in Bakhmut, Ukraine.

“Merry Christmas, and a happy, victorious New Year,” Zelenskyy concluded.

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Update 6:47 p.m. EST Dec. 21: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before his address to a joint session of Congress.

“Here we are today to welcome the brave, courageous President Zelensky in order to praise -- not only him -- but the courageous, unified people of Ukraine for what they are doing to protect democracy,” Pelosi told reporters from the Capitol.

Zelenskyy, who said it was his second trip to the Capitol, thanked the U.S. for its financial and military support.

“What can I say? Different, different feeling, like different history, like different life,” Zelenskyy said in brief remarks to reporters from a podium in the halls of the Captiol. “But anyway in this life, is very important the Congress of the United States, it is a big friend of Ukraine, Ukrainian people, really of freedom, freedom of Ukrainians. And thank you so much. You have supported us in financial support. Thank you so much.”

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Update 5:28 p.m. EST Dec. 21: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters during a joint news conference with President Joe Biden that his country and its allies are fighting for victory against Russia’s “tyranny.”

“We really fight for our common victory against this tyranny that is real life -- and we will win,” Zelenskyy told reporters.

In his remarks, Zelenskyy said he was “hopeful” that Congress would approve a $45 billion aid package for Ukraine.

“I am hopeful and once again, thank you, Mr. President, for 45 billion,” Zelenskyy said. “Because this is a big assistance and I hope that the Congress will approve this financial assistance for our country.”

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Update 5:05 p.m. EST Dec. 21: During a joint news conference, President Joe Biden praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his country’s resolve against Russia, citing their “unbreakable determination” and their “strong stand against aggression.”

“As we head into the new year, it’s important for the American people and the world to hear directly from you, Mr. President, to hear about Ukraine’s fight and the need to stand together through 2023,” Biden said.

Biden added that the United States Agency for International Development will be sending more than $374 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Update 2:45 p.m. EST Dec. 21: Biden reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion in a meeting Wednesday

“We’ll support Ukraine pursuing a just peace,” the president said in a meeting at the Oval Office. “President Zelenskyy, the United States stands with the great people of Ukraine, we stand with you. You’ve been a great leader.”

Zelenskyy presented Biden with a military award from a Ukrainian captain who was awarded it and asked that it be passed to the U.S. president.

“He’s very brave and he said, ‘Give it to a very brave president,’” Zelenskyy said.

He thanked Americans for their support.

Original report: Biden will welcome Zelenskyy at the White House around 2 p.m. before holding a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian president, according to White House officials. The pair are scheduled to hold a joint press conference around 4:30 p.m. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she invited Zelenskyy to speak at a joint session of Congress on behalf of congressional leadership.

In a social media post addressed to Zelenskyy on Wednesday, Biden said he was “thrilled” to have the Ukrainian president in Washington and that the two had “much to discuss.”

The trip marks Zelenskyy’s first internationally since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in February, according to NPR and The Washington Post. It comes on the 300th day since Russia began its attack on Ukraine, officials said.

A senior Biden administration official told reporters Tuesday that Biden will announce a new package of nearly $2 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, including a Patriot surface-to-air missile battery and training on how to use it. It was not immediately clear when the Patriot would be operational in Ukraine. The official said training would “take some time.”

Tuesday’s visit by Zelenskyy comes as lawmakers consider a government spending bill that includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance for Ukraine and NATO allies, NPR reported.

Some Republicans have shared skepticism about continuing to send financial support to Kyiv as the war with Russia continues through a 10th month. Congress has approved tens of billions of dollars in aid since the start of the attacks, The Associated Press reported.

In October, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy told Punchbowl News that it would be more difficult to pass aid for Ukraine under a GOP majority in the chamber.

“I think people are gonna be sitting in a recession and they’re not going to write a blank check to Ukraine,” he said, according to Punchbowl News. “Ukraine is important, but at the same time it can’t be the only thing and it can’t be a blank check.”

Republicans will claim a slight majority in the House following last month’s midterm elections.

Biden has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

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