'We need you right now,' Zelenskyy tells US Congress in virtual address
Updated: 8:52 AM CDT Mar 16, 2022
Good morning. Good morning. Mr President, Good morning madam Ambassador who is with us this morning madam Ambassador. Mm hmm. Ambassador Makarova. Okay. Mr President. It is my honor to present to you the Congress of the United States which has great respect and admiration and appreciation for your courageous leadership. Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of Ukraine? Vladimir Zelensky, Slava Ukraina china. I think so. No, thank you. Great to heroes. Mhm. My colleagues, slava, you kana. five of the Volcano. Mhm I don't know the song. Glory to heroes. Thank you very much, Madam. Speaker members of the Congress. Ladies and gentlemen americans friends. I am proud to greet you from Ukraine from our capital city of caves, a city that is under missile and air strikes from Russian troops every day. But it doesn't give up and we have not even thought about it for a second. Just like many other cities and communities in our beautiful country which found themselves in the worst war since world war two. I have the honor to greet you on behalf of the Ukrainian people, brave and freedom loving people who for eight years have been resisting the Russian aggression. Those who give their best sons and daughters to stop this full scale Russian invasion. Right now the destiny of our country is being decided. The destiny of our people. Whether Ukrainians will be free, whether they will be able to preserve their democracy. Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities. It went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values. It through tanks and planes against our freedom against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future against our desire for happiness against our national dreams. Just like the same dreams you have. You americans just like anyone else in the United States. I remember your national memorial in Rushmore the faces of your prominent presidents. Those who laid the foundation of the United States of America as it is today. Democracy, independence, freedom and care for everyone for every person, for everyone who works diligently who lives honestly who respects the law. We in Ukraine won the same for our people. Oh that is normal part of your own life. Ladies and gentlemen, friends. Americans in your great history. You have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians understand us now when you need it right now, when we need you right now. Remember Pearl Harbor, terrible morning of december 7th 1941. When you're sky was black from the planes attacking you just remember it. Remember september the 11th, a terrible day in 22,001 when he will try to turn your city's independent territories in battlefields. When innocent people were attacked attacked from air. Yes, just like nobody else expected it. You could not stop it. Our country experience the same every day right now. At this moment. Every night for three weeks now. Various Ukrainian cities, Odessa and Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people. Russian troops have already fired nearly 1000 missiles at Ukraine. Countless bombs they used drones to kill us with precision. This is a terror that Europe has not seen has not seen for 80 years. And we are asking for a reply for an answer to this terror from the whole world is there's a lot to ask for to create a no fly zone zone over Ukraine to save people. Is this too much to ask? Humanitarian, no fly zone? Something that Ukraine that Russia would not be able to terrorize our free cities. If this is too much to ask, we offer an alternative. You know what kind of defense systems we need as 300 and other similar systems. You know how much depends on the battlefield on the ability to use aircraft powerful, stronger aviation to protect our people, our freedom, our land aircraft that can help Ukraine help europe and you know that they exist and you have them but they are on earth, not in Ukraine. In the Ukrainian sky. They do not defend our people. I have a dream. These words are known to each of you today. I can say I have a need I need to protect our sky. I need your decision your help, which means exactly the same the same. You feel when you hear the words I have a dream. Ladies and gentlemen friends. Ukraine is grateful to the United States for its overwhelming support for everything that your government and your people have done for us for weapons and ammunition for training for finances, for leadership in the free world, which helps us to pressure the aggressor economically. I am grateful to President biden for his personal involvement for his sincere commitment to the defense of Ukraine and democracy all over the world. I am grateful to you for the resolution which recognizes all those who commit crimes against Ukraine against the Ukrainian people as war criminals. However, now it is true in the darkest time for our country for the whole europe. I call on you to do more. New packages of sanctions are needed constantly every week until the Russian military machine stops, restrictions are needed for everyone on whom this unjust regime is based. We proposed that the United States sanctions all politicians in the Russian federation who remain in their offices and do not uh cut ties with those who are responsible for their aggression against Ukraine. From State Duma's members to the last official who has lack of morale to break the state terror. All americans. Company must leave Russia from their market, leave their market immediately because it is flooded with our blood. Ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress, please take the lead. If you have companies in your districts though. Um, finance the Russian military machine. Leaving business in Russia, you should put pressure. I'm asking to make sure that the Russians do not receive a single penny that they used to destroy people in Ukraine. The destruction of our country. The destruction of europe, all american ports should be closed for Russian goods. We um peace is more important than income and we have to defend this principle in the whole world. We already became part of the antiwar coalition, a big anti war coalition that unites many countries, dozens of countries. Those who reacted to in principle to President Putin's decision to invade our country, but we need to move on and do more. We need to create new tools to respond quickly and stop the war. The full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on february 24th. And it would be fair if it ended in a day In 24 hours. That evil would be punished immediately. Two today, the world does not have such tools. The war of the past have prompted our predecessors to create institutions that should protect us from war, but they unfortunately don't work. We see it, you see it. So we need new ones, new institutions, new alliances and we offer them, we propose to create an association You 24 United for Peace. A Union of Responsible Countries That have the strength and consciousness to stop conflicts immediately provide all the necessary assistance in 24 hours, if necessary. Even weapons if necessary, sanctions, humanitarian support, political support, finances, everything you need to keep the peace and quickly save the world to save lives. In addition, such associations, such union could provide assistance to those who are experienced natural disasters. Man made disasters, who felt victims to humanitarian crisis or epidemics. Remember how difficult it was for the world to do the simplest thing just to give vaccines vaccines against covid to save lives to prevent new strains. The world spent months years doing things like that much faster to make sure there are no human losses, no victims. Ladies and gentlemen americans. If such alliance would exist today, that is you 24, we would be able to save thousands of lives in our country in many countries of the world. Those who need peace. Those who suffer inhumane destruction. I ask you to watch one video video of what the Russian troops did in our country in our land, we have to stop it. We must prevent it preventively destroy every single aggressor who seeks to subjugate other nations. Please watch the video. Yeah. Okay. No, no, wow. Okay, mm hmm. And in the end to sum it up, Okay, today, today it's not enough to be the leader of the nature that it takes to be the leader of the world, being the leader of the world, means to be the leader of peace. Peace in your country doesn't depend anymore. Only on you and your people. It depends on those next to you and those who are strong. Strong doesn't mean Big Strong is brave and ready to fight for the life of his citizens and citizens of the world. For human rights, for freedom, for the right to live decently and to die when your time comes. Yeah. And not when it's wanted by someone else, by your neighbor. Today, the Ukrainian people are defending not only Ukraine, we are fighting for the values of europe and the world, sacrificing our lives in the name of the future. That's why today the american people are helping not just Ukraine but europe and the world to keep the planet alive, to keep justice in history. Now, I am almost 45 years old Today. My age stopped when the heart of more than 100 Children stop beating. I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the death. And this is my main issue at the leader of my people, great Ukrainians and at the leader of my niche, I am addressing the president biden. You are the leader of the nation of your creation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader. Peace. Thank you, bravo, crane glory to Ukraine for your support. Mm hmm.
Good morning. Good morning. Mr President, Good morning madam Ambassador who is with us this morning madam Ambassador. Mm hmm. Ambassador Makarova. Okay. Mr President. It is my honor to present to you the Congress of the United States which has great respect and admiration and appreciation for your courageous leadership. Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of Ukraine? Vladimir Zelensky, Slava Ukraina china. I think so. No, thank you. Great to heroes. Mhm. My colleagues, slava, you kana. five of the Volcano. Mhm I don't know the song. Glory to heroes. Thank you very much, Madam. Speaker members of the Congress. Ladies and gentlemen americans friends. I am proud to greet you from Ukraine from our capital city of caves, a city that is under missile and air strikes from Russian troops every day. But it doesn't give up and we have not even thought about it for a second. Just like many other cities and communities in our beautiful country which found themselves in the worst war since world war two. I have the honor to greet you on behalf of the Ukrainian people, brave and freedom loving people who for eight years have been resisting the Russian aggression. Those who give their best sons and daughters to stop this full scale Russian invasion. Right now the destiny of our country is being decided. The destiny of our people. Whether Ukrainians will be free, whether they will be able to preserve their democracy. Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities. It went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values. It through tanks and planes against our freedom against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future against our desire for happiness against our national dreams. Just like the same dreams you have. You americans just like anyone else in the United States. I remember your national memorial in Rushmore the faces of your prominent presidents. Those who laid the foundation of the United States of America as it is today. Democracy, independence, freedom and care for everyone for every person, for everyone who works diligently who lives honestly who respects the law. We in Ukraine won the same for our people. Oh that is normal part of your own life. Ladies and gentlemen, friends. Americans in your great history. You have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians understand us now when you need it right now, when we need you right now. Remember Pearl Harbor, terrible morning of december 7th 1941. When you're sky was black from the planes attacking you just remember it. Remember september the 11th, a terrible day in 22,001 when he will try to turn your city's independent territories in battlefields. When innocent people were attacked attacked from air. Yes, just like nobody else expected it. You could not stop it. Our country experience the same every day right now. At this moment. Every night for three weeks now. Various Ukrainian cities, Odessa and Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people. Russian troops have already fired nearly 1000 missiles at Ukraine. Countless bombs they used drones to kill us with precision. This is a terror that Europe has not seen has not seen for 80 years. And we are asking for a reply for an answer to this terror from the whole world is there's a lot to ask for to create a no fly zone zone over Ukraine to save people. Is this too much to ask? Humanitarian, no fly zone? Something that Ukraine that Russia would not be able to terrorize our free cities. If this is too much to ask, we offer an alternative. You know what kind of defense systems we need as 300 and other similar systems. You know how much depends on the battlefield on the ability to use aircraft powerful, stronger aviation to protect our people, our freedom, our land aircraft that can help Ukraine help europe and you know that they exist and you have them but they are on earth, not in Ukraine. In the Ukrainian sky. They do not defend our people. I have a dream. These words are known to each of you today. I can say I have a need I need to protect our sky. I need your decision your help, which means exactly the same the same. You feel when you hear the words I have a dream. Ladies and gentlemen friends. Ukraine is grateful to the United States for its overwhelming support for everything that your government and your people have done for us for weapons and ammunition for training for finances, for leadership in the free world, which helps us to pressure the aggressor economically. I am grateful to President biden for his personal involvement for his sincere commitment to the defense of Ukraine and democracy all over the world. I am grateful to you for the resolution which recognizes all those who commit crimes against Ukraine against the Ukrainian people as war criminals. However, now it is true in the darkest time for our country for the whole europe. I call on you to do more. New packages of sanctions are needed constantly every week until the Russian military machine stops, restrictions are needed for everyone on whom this unjust regime is based. We proposed that the United States sanctions all politicians in the Russian federation who remain in their offices and do not uh cut ties with those who are responsible for their aggression against Ukraine. From State Duma's members to the last official who has lack of morale to break the state terror. All americans. Company must leave Russia from their market, leave their market immediately because it is flooded with our blood. Ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress, please take the lead. If you have companies in your districts though. Um, finance the Russian military machine. Leaving business in Russia, you should put pressure. I'm asking to make sure that the Russians do not receive a single penny that they used to destroy people in Ukraine. The destruction of our country. The destruction of europe, all american ports should be closed for Russian goods. We um peace is more important than income and we have to defend this principle in the whole world. We already became part of the antiwar coalition, a big anti war coalition that unites many countries, dozens of countries. Those who reacted to in principle to President Putin's decision to invade our country, but we need to move on and do more. We need to create new tools to respond quickly and stop the war. The full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on february 24th. And it would be fair if it ended in a day In 24 hours. That evil would be punished immediately. Two today, the world does not have such tools. The war of the past have prompted our predecessors to create institutions that should protect us from war, but they unfortunately don't work. We see it, you see it. So we need new ones, new institutions, new alliances and we offer them, we propose to create an association You 24 United for Peace. A Union of Responsible Countries That have the strength and consciousness to stop conflicts immediately provide all the necessary assistance in 24 hours, if necessary. Even weapons if necessary, sanctions, humanitarian support, political support, finances, everything you need to keep the peace and quickly save the world to save lives. In addition, such associations, such union could provide assistance to those who are experienced natural disasters. Man made disasters, who felt victims to humanitarian crisis or epidemics. Remember how difficult it was for the world to do the simplest thing just to give vaccines vaccines against covid to save lives to prevent new strains. The world spent months years doing things like that much faster to make sure there are no human losses, no victims. Ladies and gentlemen americans. If such alliance would exist today, that is you 24, we would be able to save thousands of lives in our country in many countries of the world. Those who need peace. Those who suffer inhumane destruction. I ask you to watch one video video of what the Russian troops did in our country in our land, we have to stop it. We must prevent it preventively destroy every single aggressor who seeks to subjugate other nations. Please watch the video. Yeah. Okay. No, no, wow. Okay, mm hmm. And in the end to sum it up, Okay, today, today it's not enough to be the leader of the nature that it takes to be the leader of the world, being the leader of the world, means to be the leader of peace. Peace in your country doesn't depend anymore. Only on you and your people. It depends on those next to you and those who are strong. Strong doesn't mean Big Strong is brave and ready to fight for the life of his citizens and citizens of the world. For human rights, for freedom, for the right to live decently and to die when your time comes. Yeah. And not when it's wanted by someone else, by your neighbor. Today, the Ukrainian people are defending not only Ukraine, we are fighting for the values of europe and the world, sacrificing our lives in the name of the future. That's why today the american people are helping not just Ukraine but europe and the world to keep the planet alive, to keep justice in history. Now, I am almost 45 years old Today. My age stopped when the heart of more than 100 Children stop beating. I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the death. And this is my main issue at the leader of my people, great Ukrainians and at the leader of my niche, I am addressing the president biden. You are the leader of the nation of your creation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader. Peace. Thank you, bravo, crane glory to Ukraine for your support. Mm hmm.
'We need you right now,' Zelenskyy tells US Congress in virtual address
Updated: 8:52 AM CDT Mar 16, 2022
Warning: The video above contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 on Wednesday as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine's fight against Russia.Livestreamed into the Capitol complex, Zelenskyy said the U.S. must sanction Russian lawmakers and block imports, and he showed a packed auditorium of U.S. lawmakers an emotional video of the destruction and devastation in his country has suffered in the war.鈥淲e need you right now,鈥� Zelenskyy said, adding, "I call on you to do more.鈥滻n calling for more economic hits to the Russians, he said: 鈥淧eace is more important than income.鈥滾awmakers gave him a standing ovation before and after his remarks.Nearing the three-week mark in an ever-escalating war, Zelenskyy has used his campaign to implore allied leaders to 鈥渃lose the sky鈥� to prevent the Russian airstrikes that are devastating his country. It has also put Zelenskyy at odds with President Joe Biden, whose administration has stopped short of providing a no-fly zone or the transfer of military jets from neighboring Poland as the U.S. seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.Instead, Biden will deliver his own address following Zelenskyy鈥檚 speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official. That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion. It includes money for anti-armor and air-defense weapons, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Appearing in his now-trademark army green T-shirt as he appeals to world leaders, Zelenskyy has emerged as a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II. Almost 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine, the fastest exodus in modern times.The Ukrainian president is no stranger to Congress, having played a central role in Donald Trump's first impeachment. As president, Trump was accused of withholding security aid to Ukraine as he pressured Zelenskyy to dig up dirt on political rival Biden. Zelensky spoke on the giant screen to many of the same Republican lawmakers who declined to impeach or convict Trump, but are among the bipartisan groundswell in Congress now clamoring for military aid to Ukraine.Invoking Shakespeare's hero last week, Zelenskyy asked the British House of Commons whether Ukraine is 鈥渢o be or not to be.鈥� On Tuesday, he appealed to 鈥淒ear Justin鈥� as he addressed the Canadian Parliament and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders at the start of the war to do the politically unthinkable and fast-track Ukraine鈥檚 membership 鈥� and he has continued to push for more help to save his young democracy than world leaders have so far pledged to do.鈥滻 know he will ask for more help,鈥� said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.Biden has insisted there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and has resisted Zelenskyy's relentless pleas for warplanes as too risky, potentially escalating into a direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.鈥淒irect conflict between NATO and Russia is World War III,鈥� Biden has said.U.S. defense officials say they are puzzled by Zelenskyy鈥檚 demand for more warplanes. They say Ukraine isn鈥檛 often flying the planes it has now, while making good use of other weapons the West is providing, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.While officials are anticipating that Zelenskyy may once again call on the U.S. and the West for fighter jets or help establishing a no-fly zone, the Biden administration is looking to send Ukraine 鈥渕ore of what鈥檚 been working well,鈥� according to an official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Already the Biden administration has sent Ukraine more than 600 Stinger missiles, 2,600 Javelin anti-armor systems, unmanned aerial system tracking radars; grenade launchers, 200 shotguns, 200 machine guns and nearly 40 million rounds of small arms ammunition, along with helicopters, patrol boats, satellite imagery and body armor, helmets, and other tactical gear, the official said.Even though Zelenskyy and Biden speak almost daily by phone, the Ukrainian president has found a potentially more receptive audience in Congress.This won鈥檛 be the first time he has appealed directly to members of the House and Senate, who have remained remarkably unified in their support of Ukraine. Nearly two weeks ago, Zelenskyy delivered a desperate plea to some 300 lawmakers and staff on a private call that if they could not enforce a no-fly zone, at least send more planes."We think the United States needs to do more," said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., returning from a weekend visit with other lawmakers to Poland.Congress has already approved $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the newly announced security aid will come from that allotment, which is part of a broader bill that Biden signed into law Tuesday. But lawmakers expect more aid will be needed.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Zelenskyy asked for help in rebuilding his country when they spoke last week. It was in that call that Zelenskyy asked to address the U.S. Congress, something the Democratic leader readily agreed to.鈥淭he Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine,鈥� said Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement Monday announcing the address.They said Congress 鈥渞emains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin鈥檚 cruel and diabolical aggression.鈥漐elenskyy's next stop could be Spain. The speaker of Spain鈥檚 Congress of Deputies has invited the Ukrainian president to address Spanish lawmakers via videolink.In a letter to Zelenskyy, Speaker Meritxell Batet wrote that the address 鈥渨ill be a magnificent opportunity for the chamber, all Spanish people and the thousands of Ukrainians living in Spain to listen to your message and express our firmest support.鈥漘__Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Ellen Knickmeyer and Chris Megerian and Raf Casert in Brussels, Jill Lawless in London, Aritz Parra in Madrid and videojournalist Rick Gentilo contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON — Warning: The video above contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 on Wednesday as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine's fight against Russia.
Livestreamed into the Capitol complex, Zelenskyy said the U.S. must sanction Russian lawmakers and block imports, and he showed a packed auditorium of U.S. lawmakers an emotional video of the destruction and devastation in his country has suffered in the war.
鈥淲e need you right now,鈥� Zelenskyy said, adding, "I call on you to do more.鈥�
In calling for more economic hits to the Russians, he said: 鈥淧eace is more important than income.鈥�
Lawmakers gave him a standing ovation before and after his remarks.
Nearing the three-week mark in an ever-escalating war, Zelenskyy has used his campaign to implore allied leaders to 鈥渃lose the sky鈥� to prevent the Russian airstrikes that are devastating his country. It has also put Zelenskyy at odds with President Joe Biden, whose administration has stopped short of providing a no-fly zone or the transfer of military jets from neighboring Poland as the U.S. seeks to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia.
Instead, Biden will deliver his own address following Zelenskyy鈥檚 speech, in which he is expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a White House official. That would bring the total announced in the last week alone to $1 billion. It includes money for anti-armor and air-defense weapons, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Appearing in his now-trademark army green T-shirt as he appeals to world leaders, Zelenskyy has emerged as a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II. Almost 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine, the fastest exodus in modern times.
The Ukrainian president is no stranger to Congress, having played a central role in Donald Trump's first impeachment. As president, Trump was accused of withholding security aid to Ukraine as he pressured Zelenskyy to dig up dirt on political rival Biden. Zelensky spoke on the giant screen to many of the same Republican lawmakers who declined to impeach or convict Trump, but are among the bipartisan groundswell in Congress now clamoring for military aid to Ukraine.
Invoking Shakespeare's hero last week, Zelenskyy asked the British House of Commons whether Ukraine is 鈥渢o be or not to be.鈥� On Tuesday, he appealed to 鈥淒ear Justin鈥� as he addressed the Canadian Parliament and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zelenskyy called on European Union leaders at the start of the war to do the politically unthinkable and fast-track Ukraine鈥檚 membership 鈥� and he has continued to push for more help to save his young democracy than world leaders have so far pledged to do.
鈥滻 know he will ask for more help,鈥� said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
Biden has insisted there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and has resisted Zelenskyy's relentless pleas for warplanes as too risky, potentially escalating into a direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.
鈥淒irect conflict between NATO and Russia is World War III,鈥� Biden has said.
U.S. defense officials say they are puzzled by Zelenskyy鈥檚 demand for more warplanes. They say Ukraine isn鈥檛 often flying the planes it has now, while making good use of other weapons the West is providing, including Stinger missiles for shooting down helicopters and other aircraft.
While officials are anticipating that Zelenskyy may once again call on the U.S. and the West for fighter jets or help establishing a no-fly zone, the Biden administration is looking to send Ukraine 鈥渕ore of what鈥檚 been working well,鈥� according to an official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Already the Biden administration has sent Ukraine more than 600 Stinger missiles, 2,600 Javelin anti-armor systems, unmanned aerial system tracking radars; grenade launchers, 200 shotguns, 200 machine guns and nearly 40 million rounds of small arms ammunition, along with helicopters, patrol boats, satellite imagery and body armor, helmets, and other tactical gear, the official said.
Even though Zelenskyy and Biden speak almost daily by phone, the Ukrainian president has found a potentially more receptive audience in Congress.
This won鈥檛 be the first time he has appealed directly to members of the House and Senate, who have remained remarkably unified in their support of Ukraine. Nearly two weeks ago, Zelenskyy delivered a to some 300 lawmakers and staff on a private call that if they could not enforce a no-fly zone, at least send more planes.
"We think the United States needs to do more," said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., returning from a weekend visit with other lawmakers to Poland.
Congress has already approved $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the newly announced security aid will come from that allotment, which is part of a broader bill that Biden signed into law Tuesday. But lawmakers expect more aid will be needed.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Zelenskyy asked for help in rebuilding his country when they spoke last week. It was in that call that Zelenskyy asked to address the U.S. Congress, something the Democratic leader readily agreed to.
鈥淭he Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine,鈥� said Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement Monday announcing the address.
They said Congress 鈥渞emains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin鈥檚 cruel and diabolical aggression.鈥�
Zelenskyy's next stop could be Spain. The speaker of Spain鈥檚 Congress of Deputies has invited the Ukrainian president to address Spanish lawmakers via videolink.
In a letter to Zelenskyy, Speaker Meritxell Batet wrote that the address 鈥渨ill be a magnificent opportunity for the chamber, all Spanish people and the thousands of Ukrainians living in Spain to listen to your message and express our firmest support.鈥�
___
Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Ellen Knickmeyer and Chris Megerian and Raf Casert in Brussels, Jill Lawless in London, Aritz Parra in Madrid and videojournalist Rick Gentilo contributed to this report.