Zelenskyy, hitting emotional chord, asks for more aid amid growing disquiet in US about having to foot war bill
In an emotional speech before a joint session of the US Congress, which received his standing ovation despite skepticism from some pro-Trump lawmakers, Zelenskyy said: “Your money you’re not charity. It’s an investment in global security and democracy that we handle most responsibly.”
The President of Ukraine made a lightning half-day trip to Washington DC brought here by a US military plane to meet President Biden, key US lawmakers and address the American people, even if the government The US rushes for $45 billion in military assistance to prop up Russia on a domestic spending bill. Biden also announced he will send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine to counter Russian missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: ‘We will never surrender’ during US visit
But Zelensky pointed out that more will be needed even as some angry lawmakers and activists point out that the nearly $100 billion already committed to the war effort is more than the annual defense budget is. Russia’s 65 billion dollars.
“$100 billion for Ukraine. Let’s put that in perspective. That’s over $200 million this year from each congressional district. What can your congressman do for your region with 200 million dollars? How long will the kids in your area pay interest on this? debt?” Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican lawmaker, questioned that, saying Americans “are growing tired of funding this war.”
Massie was among several right-wing lawmakers who boycotted Zelensky’s speech, while other pro-Trump lawmakers such as Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz did not join the acclaim from the majority, which was drawn from both parties.
Zelensky was also attacked by former President Donald Trump’s son, Trump Jr, calling him “an ungrateful international welfare queen,” while Fox News host Tucker Carlson accused him of dressing like “strip club manager demanding money” in the middle of the US presidential election. particular woes of nations.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy received a hero’s welcome at the White House on his first foreign trip since the Russian invasion
But Zelensky, wearing an olive green camouflage sweater, struck a chord with moderates from both parties, warning that the battle to defeat Russia “cannot be frozen or postponed.” It can’t be ignored, hopefully the ocean or something else will provide some protection.”
From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America and from Africa to Australia, the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stand aside and feel at the same time, he warned. safe when such a battle continues.” , conjures up an unfortunate image of a cold, dark Christmas that Ukrainians will have to endure in pursuit of victory even as Russia ravages its energy infrastructure.
Zelensky also sought to provoke US lawmakers by drawing attention to what he predicted was a “terrorist” alliance between Russia and Iran.
Despite Zelensky’s close emotional ties with longstanding politicians in Washington, the American public is increasingly worried about funding another distant war.
Hours after meeting with Zelensky, President Biden, who withdrew from Afghanistan because he did not want the US to engage in an “endless war”, wrote on Twitter that the US was committed to supporting the Ukrainian people “for as long as possible” Still can.”
