Zelensky asserts that US aid is not ‘charity’
Kremlin says US, Kyiv ‘turning a deaf ear’
WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday directly appealed for long-term US support on his first foreign trip since Russia’s invasion, saying aid was not “charity” and had helped keep his country “alive and kicking.”
Three hundred days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine with hopes of swift conquest, Mr Zelensky enjoyed a hero’s welcome on a lightning trip to Washington where President Joe Biden committed nearly US$1.8 billion (62.4 billion baht) in military supplies including, for the first time, the Patriot missile defence system.
Mr Zelensky wore his trademark green military fatigues as he held talks at the White House and addressed Congress, where he handed over a Ukrainian flag fresh from the battlefield.
As Congress finalises a new package of $45 billion, Mr Zelensky voiced gratitude and said that the new year would mark the “turning point” in the fight against Russia.
“Against all odds and doom-andgloom scenarios,” Mr Zelensky said in a speech that drew standing ovations, “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”
“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Mr Zelensky said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who welcomed Mr Zelensky in one of her last acts before Republicans take control, likened the address to Winston Churchill’s Christmas-time visit in 1941 days after the Pearl Harbour attack — and the Ukrainian leader was unafraid to encourage the parallels.
Comparing Ukrainian forces to
Americans on the frontlines in WW2 and the Revolutionary War, Mr Zelensky said that Russians “burn and destroy everything” in a way “similar to the other tyranny” of Hitler.
“Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender,” Mr Zelensky said to applause.
The Kremlin said yesterday that Washington and Kyiv were turning a deaf ear to Russia’s concerns following the historic visit by Mr Zelensky.
“We can say with regret that so far neither President Biden nor President Zelensky have said even a few words that could be perceived as potential readiness to listen to Russia’s concerns,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“Not a single word was heard warning Zelensky against the continued shelling of residential buildings in towns and villages in Donbas and there were no real calls for peace,” Mr Peskov said.
“This suggests that the United States is continuing its line of de facto fighting an indirect war with Russia to the last Ukrainian,” he added.
Hours before Mr Zelensky’s visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would next year continue developing its military potential and the combat readiness of its nuclear forces.
Ukraine enjoys wide support in the United States but several hardright Republicans have been critical, considering the aid a giveaway of taxpayer money.
Kevin McCarthy, likely to become speaker next month after a Republican election victory, has warned he will not give a “blank check” to Ukraine, a comment seen as attempting to mollify his right flank.
Mr Biden, wearing a tie in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, affectionately put his hand over the wartime leader’s shoulder as he saw him for the first time in person since the war began.
“You will never stand alone,” Mr Biden told him at a joint news conference.
“The American people are with you every step of the way and we will stay with you — we will stay with you — for as long as it takes.”
Mr Biden said that Americans “understand in our bones that Ukraine’s fight is part of something much bigger.”
Mr Zelensky reportedly flew in secret to the US.