Zelensky in US Congress: Ukraine is ‘alive and kicking’, will ‘never surrender’ to Putin

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky became an ever-present figure on television screens worldwide as he addressed the US Congress on December 22, unfurling the Ukrainian battle flag in the endand evoking the analogy of the ongoing war in Ukrainewith second world war’s ‘Christmas of 1944’. In a speech that lasted about 25 minutes, Zelensky’s passionate pleas for the US and larger global support for Ukraine during the ongoing war were often mixed with doses of humour. “Ukraine is alive and kicking,” Zelensky told the US Congress, receiving thunderous applause in return.

Just like the "brave American soldierswhich held their lines" and fought against Hitler's Nazi Germany in 1944, Ukrainian soldiers "aredoing the same to Putin'sforces this Christmas," Zelensky said to applause.

Sporting his signature olive green outfit with Ukrainian military insignia, Zelensky received triumphant cheerswith bereft whistles typically reserved for a celebrity in a concert. But far from the frontline of war, in the power corridor of Washington's Capitol Hill, Zelensky appealed to the lawmakers and American citizens to continue supporting Ukraine during theongoing war in his country.

"Your money is not charity, it's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelensky said inhis address to a joint session of the US Congress.

“Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking,” Zelensky said.

Make Russia feel ruinous with sanctions: Zelensky to the US Congress

In his address, Zelensky saidthat US President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan.

"We need peace. Yes. Ukraine has already offeredproposals, which I justdiscussed with President Biden,our peace formula. The10 points which should and must beimplemented for our jointsecurity. I am glad to share thatPresident Biden supported ourpeace initiative today.Each of you, ladies andgentlemen, can assist in theimplementation to ensure thatAmericans' leadership remains solid, bicameral,and bipartisan," Zelensky said.

"You can strengthen sanctions tomake Russia feel how ruinousits aggression truly is.It is in your power, really, tohelp us bring to justiceeveryone who started thisunprovoked and criminal war.Let's do it," said Zelensky, adding that only justice against the Russian aggression will compensate for all losses done bythe war.

Russians must defeat The Kremlin in their mind: Volodymyr Zelensky

In a comment whose resonance was reflected in strong returning applause from theAmerican Congressmen sitting in the reception of the Ukrainian president, Zelenskysaid that while Ukraine will continue its effort to "defeat the Kremlin on battlefield", the Russians will stand free "if they defeat the Kremlin in their mind".

We must stop it: Zelensky on operational Iranian drones in Ukraine

Hitting out at Iran's covertsupport to Russia on the battlefield, Zelensky said that Iranian drones are a threat to Ukraine's critical infrastructure and that they must be stopped with an immediate sense of urgency.

“Iranian deadly drones sent to Russia in hundreds and hundreds became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. We must do it," he said.

Countries are too interconnected to not take a side during ongoing war: Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised that the world is too interconnected to be on the sidelines of the war.

"This battle cannot be frozen, or postponed. It cannot be ignored, hoping that the ocean, or something else will provide a protection," he said.

"From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from every country to Australia, the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stay aside and at the same time to feel safe when such a battle continues."

Zelensky concluded his speech by givingthe Ukrainian battle flag to US lawmakers. Zelensky said the flag was from the frontline city of Bakhmut, which he visited a day before embarking on his trip to the U.S.

Zelensky is in Washington for his first overseas trip since Russia launched 'special military operations' against Ukraine in February earlier this year.

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