“,”elementId”:”46b54031-5f0c-42e1-aca3-7ed1ea891c2b”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
He started by saying that the US, Europe and Ukraine had together “defeated Russian in the battle for minds of the world”.
“,”elementId”:”48d8d4f9-fa23-43f0-8322-53160b361f0e”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy was also blunt about wanting more aid, saying that while he was grateful for commitments so far, it was not enough. He also called on the US to place further sanctions on Russia, and bring the people behind the war to justice. He used the words bipartisan repeatedly, and bicameral, at least once, and sought to assure Republican and Democrat lawmakers that aid for Ukraine was worthwhile, and that the country was a responsible steward of assistance.
“,”elementId”:”cf7b3370-a1e2-4902-8718-b8f3d959975a”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy repeatedly referred to battles in world war two, which was likely strategic – a reminder that what is at stake is global politics, not just Ukraine’s freedom.
“,”elementId”:”4621bfc3-ef73-4525-9d40-d75bfeab7205″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
He quoted Franklin D Roosevelt’s during the second world war: “The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” adding, “I tell you: The Ukrainian people will win, too: absolutely.”
“,”elementId”:”691ec5f5-4b54-4d27-b9f7-26b16df5998a”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
As he ended his speech, the thanked American families – the taxpayers funding US aid to Ukraine – saying, “Now, at this special Christmas time, I want to thank you, all of you. I thank every American family which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to our people.”
“,”elementId”:”643d7657-b4d2-4217-a94c-4f78769df3f5″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671671312000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”01.08 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671671752000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”01.15 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671671679000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”01.14 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”01.14″,”title”:”Summary: what Zelenskiy told Congress”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a3addb8f085ce9739c35f5″,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy has concluded his speech and left the chamber. From the Guardian’s Washington Correspondent David Smith, who is in the room:
“,”elementId”:”86760ef4-8fb5-4c37-a371-649ca0e5fe57″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy departs to cheers and applause. Ukrainians in public balcony shout: "God bless America! Thank you, thank you, thank you."
— David Smith (@SmithInAmerica) December 22, 2022
n”,”url”:”https://twitter.com/SmithInAmerica/status/1605731244939042817?s=20&t=zR3mlOVxppt5X3g_R3NA7Q”,”id”:”1605731244939042817″,”hasMedia”:false,”role”:”inline”,”isThirdPartyTracking”:false,”source”:”Twitter”,”elementId”:”5abd0163-9602-4716-a984-93898dc7b41d”}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671671259000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”01.07 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671671309000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”01.08 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671671309000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”01.08 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”01.08″,”title”:”Zelenskiy departs”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a3a9ec8f083d29b407db1f”,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“We have artillery, yes, thank you. We have it. Is it enough? Honestly, not really,” says Zelenskiy to laughter.
“,”elementId”:”8022e06d-48b8-48a1-ad13-264274b1f7e6″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671670252000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”00.50 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671670385000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”00.53 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671670281000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”00.51 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”00.51″,”title”:”‘We have artillery.. Is it enough? Not really.'”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a3a81c8f085ce9739c35c1″,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“Against all odds and doom and gloom, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking,” says Zelenskiy.
“,”elementId”:”a7360bb3-0702-4e1b-a896-1e0712c6aaaf”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“And it gives me good reason to share with you our first joint victory. We defeated Russia in the battle for minds of the world. We have no fear… Ukraine gained this victory and it gives us courage which inspires the entire world. America gained this victory… Europeans gained this victory.”
“,”elementId”:”89cbbd57-cb83-4d66-a6ad-9756ddf3bde6″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“The Russian tyranny has lost control over us”.
“,”elementId”:”e1d117ee-8fb8-4cbe-847a-9bb6277722d1″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671669788000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”00.43 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671671443000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”01.10 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671669861000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”00.44 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”00.44″,”title”:”Zelenskiy: ‘The Russian tyranny has lost control over us'”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a3a4bb8f083d29b407db05″,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
If you’re just joining us, we’re waiting to hear from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his first foreign visit since Russia’s devastating war on Ukraine started in March.
“,”elementId”:”c9393cc2-d448-4862-85a7-e7be5d0af19d”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
My name is Helen Sullivan, and I’ll be bringing you the latest. You can find me on Twitter here – ask a question and I’ll do my best to answer it.
“,”elementId”:”a1bcfd78-8abe-44fb-9f6a-a0761fedd3ba”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Speaking a short while ago on CBS, congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane explained that Zelenskiy will be addressing two audiences during his speech today.
“,”elementId”:”78a6a794-50c4-4fb0-80ea-fdb2cae5a3ee”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The first is Congress as a whole, as lawmakers prepare to vote on a bill to provide tens of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine. The second is a House Republican Conference, which will take the majority on 3 January.
“,”elementId”:”ffdddd52-6ab7-4046-bba2-9f0fae86a8af”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“Some members have been debating whether they want to continue such robust funding for Ukraine,” McFarlane said.
“,”elementId”:”901e5691-558c-4701-9c9d-d9cffa0c710a”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy will be delivering his remarks in English, starting in about two minutes’ time. We’ll bring you his remarks as they happen – stay tuned.
“,”elementId”:”4d2faa2e-2797-4c41-b071-192fa80c1500″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671668923000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”00.28 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671668969000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”00.29 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671668970000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”00.29 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”00.29″,”title”:”Two minutes to go”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a39caf8f083d29b407dae2″,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Reuters has this report on how Zelenskiy got to Washington.
“,”elementId”:”d6b36b4b-2a88-49d6-a29d-f5e2ef8d685c”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy’s surprise visit started with a secretive train ride to Poland late on Tuesday.
“,”elementId”:”35d617bf-f10d-45ba-8eaa-17915e3c79e9″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The next morning, he arrived in the southern Polish city of Przemysl, where he was spotted at the train station according to footage from private broadcaster TVN, along with US ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who accompanied him.
“,”elementId”:”1b0b1f3b-644e-46d3-b171-f7452a62feae”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy’s visit had been planned for days and organised in secret because of concerns about his safety, but details were tweeted on Tuesday by a reporter from US-based newsletter Punchbowl News.
“,”elementId”:”a450fe71-0fb7-4b8a-9ffe-0a26e5013f9e”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
In Poland, he boarded a US government plane which landed at about noon EST (1700 GMT) on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, some 12 miles southeast of Washington.
“,”elementId”:”08c530b4-00f6-4017-83d7-1f70f246f693″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
He traveled by motorcade to Blair House, the presidential guest house along Pennsylvania Avenue, and after freshening up from his trip, he traveled to the nearby White House, where he was greeted by President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden.
“,”elementId”:”b40e4915-e44d-4d85-a838-b22854329560″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement”,”html”:”
On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of 🇺🇦. In particular, @POTUS and I will discuss cooperation between 🇺🇦 and 🇺🇸. I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 21, 2022
n”,”url”:”https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1605443014847086592?s=20&t=nfsL5yjP5yIIzdALJuizZQ”,”id”:”1605443014847086592″,”hasMedia”:false,”role”:”inline”,”isThirdPartyTracking”:false,”source”:”Twitter”,”elementId”:”91d473fb-962e-4baa-b6d2-ba081597a200″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
There was no “mathematical formula” for the right day for Zelenskiy to make this trip, a senior Biden administration official told reporters late on Tuesday, but added that the trip would be “an important injection of momentum and sustenance” to US and allied support as winter sets in.
“,”elementId”:”d1746bda-9eaa-4aa1-a4a1-59146fc76e24″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The administration consulted closely with Zelenskiy on the “security parameters” of him being able to leave Ukraine and visit the United States briefly and return, said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
“,”elementId”:”86329380-f8f1-4713-b338-34f80b464713″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“Of course, it ultimately was his decision to make. He concluded that those security parameters were met. What he needed, we agreed with that, and so we are executing accordingly,” the official said.
“,”elementId”:”353a7834-faf9-424d-a927-1189033a85c0″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671666863000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”23.54 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671667221000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”00.00 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671667044000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”23.57 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”23.57″,”title”:”Zelenskiy’s high-security travel to Washington”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a394d28f08c23d9f5d5a4a”,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Today’s address will also mark one of the last times Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, presides over the chamber as Speaker of the House, before Republicans take the majority on 3 January and she returns to the rank and file of her caucus.
“,”elementId”:”4b0e5bc1-50ed-477a-bfef-e3ba5f6ee1d2″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The planning for Zelenskiy’s speech began in October, according to a Pelosi aide, when she met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, chairman of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. Pelosi was attending the First parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform in Zagreb, Croatia, at the time.
“,”elementId”:”4562ac99-2229-45b9-bfb2-6aa02269ed58″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Pelosi and Zelenskiy just met and held a brief press conference.
“,”elementId”:”d67018e4-4a0e-48a4-ba97-1538fc507618″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Speaking to press in english, Zelenskiy said that while this is not his first visit to the US, his previous visit felt like “a different life”.
“,”elementId”:”95ba8e76-7c52-4193-bfb8-64990962450b”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TweetBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy says his previous visit to the US feels like it happened in 'a different life'. pic.twitter.com/FVKWIne1nG
— Helen Sullivan (@helenrsullivan) December 21, 2022
n”,”url”:”https://twitter.com/helenrsullivan/status/1605706154914762752?s=20&t=_1bYNWBU_lkbD3F_pOi6hg”,”id”:”1605706154914762752″,”hasMedia”:false,”role”:”inline”,”isThirdPartyTracking”:false,”source”:”Twitter”,”elementId”:”7a19c539-c45b-4004-8944-be4171e5a720″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671664850000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”23.20 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671665200000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”23.26 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671665200000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”23.26 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”23.26″,”title”:”Zelenskiy says previous visit to US feels like it was ‘in a different life'”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a393b48f085ce9739c353a”,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
In his first foreign visit since the outbreak of the war in March this year, Zelenskiy has so far held a bilateral meeting with Joe Biden, after which the pair held a joint press conference.
“,”elementId”:”3a962fb4-ea7c-4b5b-8fe4-a11533b20439″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Here are the main developments:
“,”elementId”:”a259d0df-355d-4127-a23f-fd032593f92d”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
- n
-
US president Joe Biden and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy held bilateral meetings at the White House today in which additional defence aid to Ukraine was discussed. Biden announced a new $1.58 billion aid package which will include a Patriot missile battery.
-
“It’s an honour to be by your side in united defense against what is a brutal, brutal war,” Biden told Zelenskiy ahead of their meeting. Zelenskiy went on to present Biden with a medal from a Ukrainian artillery captain on the frontline in Bakhmut, Ukraine.
-
The UN will allocate an additional $20m from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund to support over 300 civil society organizations and volunteer groups. “These groups have always been the backbone of the humanitarian response in Ukraine and even more since the war started in late February,” said Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine.
-
In an overwhelming vote of 93-2, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Lynne M. Tracy as the new US ambassador to Russia on Wednesday. Tracy, a career diplomat of the US Foreign Service, “will be tasked with standing up to Putin,” Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said.
n
n
n
n
“,”elementId”:”4dabed75-2887-4172-992b-a8772367fecf”}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671664564000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”23.16 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671664737000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”23.18 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671664738000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”23.18 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”23.18″,”title”:”Zelenskiy’s US visit so far”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a38d8d8f083d29b407da5e”,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The 44-year-old Zelenskiy, a former comedian and actor, also will be visiting Washington on a day that the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed a new ambassador to Russia.
“,”elementId”:”ea68b9d6-db57-4d61-bef2-cb0a8a21ab92″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The optics of Zelenskiy receiving a hero’s welcome as a defender of democracy carries a message far deeper than military aid. It is meant to signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the United States and its Nato allies remain steadfastly behind Ukraine, despite recent signs of impatience among some Republican lawmakers over the rising cost.
“,”elementId”:”e664d683-efc9-4775-b34d-a51e1fa619ef”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
When he enters through the House chamber’s double-wooden doors, the cheers will be accented by some lawmakers wearing blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
“,”elementId”:”856e4ed4-53df-4769-b43e-5ca6d80a6d2e”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Pelosi regularly wears a US and Ukraine flag pin.
“,”elementId”:”8a205f10-3e12-4bdd-b4fb-4a9f9cd385ee”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Many of the House’s 435 members and the Senate’s 100 are expected to attend.
“,”elementId”:”bda3fc4d-bc87-4651-9a68-40522c9eb7d3″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer arrived on Wednesday sporting a yellow tie and blue suit. In a Senate speech he described Zelenskiy as “a leader who is fighting for his life, fighting for his country’s survival and fighting to preserve the very idea of democracy.”
“,”elementId”:”2c58b449-fed1-4dde-876d-8e1720cc0f3a”}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671663489000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”22.58 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671664546000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”23.15 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671664546000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”23.15 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”23.15″,”title”:”Timing, optics and Ukrainian colours”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a38e028f08c23d9f5d5a29″,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Speaking a short while ago on CBS, congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane explained that Zelenskiy will be addressing two audiences during his speech today.
“,”elementId”:”131fee1f-953b-4d97-aec0-bb09364c767f”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
The first is Congress as a whole, as lawmakers prepare to vote on a bill to provide tens of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine. The second is a House Republican Conference, which will take the majority on 3 January.
“,”elementId”:”7ad4c65e-6fae-44cc-91c5-1ed9227a2345″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
“Some members have been debating whether they want to continue such robust funding for Ukraine,” McFarlane said.
“,”elementId”:”65aa94fc-2233-4734-8aa9-389c9d752b75″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671663489000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”22.58 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671664149000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”23.09 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671664150000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”23.09 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”23.09″,”title”:”Zelenskiy’s two audiences”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”},{“id”:”63a388738f085ce9739c34f8″,”elements”:[{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s in-person address to the US Congress.
“,”elementId”:”8d6ecc1b-acf4-47f2-992a-cd4fbdea1612″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
My name is Helen Sullivan, and I’ll be taking you through the address live, providing context and analysis with the help of my colleagues in the US and abroad.
“,”elementId”:”4f6a91f2-1443-424f-b347-95f5b0d66745″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
If you have questions or comments, get in touch on Twitter @helenrsullivan.
“,”elementId”:”e0e74a61-f604-44cd-aaaf-ba97f0c613da”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Zelenskiy will be delivering his remarks in English, as he tries to convince US lawmakers to pass a bill that will grant tens of billions of dollars of aid to Ukraine.
“,”elementId”:”b8b76815-510d-42d7-9db0-1c714f1767a6″},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
Republican lawmakers have shown signs of impatience with the ongoing and robust level of funding for the war and with Republicans due to take the majority in the House in 12 days, Zelenskiy’s job this afternoon in Washington is to convince them that the aid is worthwhile.
“,”elementId”:”bee33dcf-abc8-4503-a7c5-3bde7a7f9e2d”},{“_type”:”model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement”,”html”:”
It is almost 6pm in Washington, and Zelenskiy is due to begin his address in 90 minutes’ time. Stay tuned as we tell you what to expect – and go into more detail on what is at stake.
“,”elementId”:”f0bdcb43-bc9c-4853-9bdf-e8a02ddfb502″}],”attributes”:{“pinned”:false,”keyEvent”:true,”summary”:false},”blockCreatedOn”:1671663489000,”blockCreatedOnDisplay”:”22.58 GMT”,”blockLastUpdated”:1671666551000,”blockLastUpdatedDisplay”:”23.49 GMT”,”blockFirstPublished”:1671663489000,”blockFirstPublishedDisplay”:”22.58 GMT”,”blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone”:”22.58″,”title”:”Summary and welcome”,”contributors”:[],”primaryDateLine”:”Thu 22 Dec 2022 02.33 GMT”,”secondaryDateLine”:”First published on Wed 21 Dec 2022 22.58 GMT”}],”filterKeyEvents”:false,”format”:{“display”:0,”theme”:0,”design”:11},”id”:”key-events-carousel-mobile”}”>
Key events
With that, we’re closing this blog. We’ll be back with live coverage on the war in Ukraine in a few hours’ time. That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for now. Thanks for following along.
Chris McGreal
Here is our full story on Zelenskiy’s address this evening:
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has given a defiant address to a joint session of the US Congress in which he vowed that his country would never abandon its resistance to Russian aggression – but said that Washington’s continued support is key to ultimate victory.
Zelenskiy was received with a standing ovation as he arrived to speak wearing his now trademark green military-style trousers and shirt. The Ukrainian leader was repeatedly met with long bursts of applause as he invoked US battles against Nazi Germany and President Franklin Roosevelt’s wartime commitments in a bid to keep American weapons supplies flowing for the war against Russia.
“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. The freedom of people who stand for their values,” he said.
Another Ukrainian American, Oleksandra Kepple, a researcher at the University of Maryland, said the current US assistance to Ukraine was not yet sufficient for Kyiv to win.
“I obviously appreciate US assistance. Its enough to survive but not yet enough to win,” Kepple said.
Ukrainian-American Katrina Durbak, an urban planning, housing and climate change policy analyst, echoed the sentiment.
“Ukrainians are asking for aid and assistance. Had the US provided the assistance sooner, more lives could have been saved,” Durbak said, adding that Zelenskiy’s trip could help make a case for more aid.
Russia says it is waging a “special military operation” in Ukraine to rid it of nationalists and protect Russian-speaking communities. Ukraine and the West describe the Kremlin’s actions as an unprovoked war of aggression.
Ukrainian Americans in Washington saw Zelenskiy’s visit as a promising sign that displayed strong relations between the countries but also urged more American assistance to defend against the Russian invasion, Reuters reports.
Dozens of pro-Ukrainian activists gathered near the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
“In the long term, helping Ukraine will enable the US to preserve national security,” Catherine Pedersen, a board member of the US Ukrainian Activists group, told Reuters.
“It’s that awkward situation where you are incredibly grateful for support, but there is need for more,” she added.
Transport Secretary Pete Bittigieg had this to say about Zelenskiy’s address:
Congress is on the verge of approving an additional $44.9bn in new emergency military and economic assistance, on top of some $50bn already sent to Ukraine this year.
Daniel Fried, former US ambassador to Poland and a fellow at the Atlantic Council, said Zelenskiy’s trip demonstrated that he and Biden share a belief that the United States, despite its faults, is leader of the free world.
Zelenskiy, Fried said, “didn’t go to Berlin, Brussels, London or Paris” for his first trip abroad since the start of the war.
CBS is reporting that Zelenskiy may soon visit other countries, including, possibly, the UK, France and Germany.
Biden welcomed Zelenskiy to the White House earlier on Wednesday, unveiling an additional US$1.85bn security assistance package for Ukraine to continue to defend itself against Russia, including a Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system. ‘We will stay with you,’ Biden told him.
The visit – Zelenskiy’s first trip outside of Ukraine since the war started – underscores the ties between the two countries and includes a White House meeting, a visit to Congress and a focus on more weapons for Kyiv:
In news from Ukraine: a former Russian deputy prime minister and a pro-Moscow official were injured when Ukrainian forces shelled the eastern city of Donetsk on Wednesday, Russian news agencies said.
Donetsk, controlled by pro-Moscow troops, is in the industrial Donbas region, epicentre of recent bitter fighting between Russia and Ukraine.
One of the injured men was Dmitry Rogozin, a former Russian deputy prime minister who is giving military advice to two occupied regions of Ukraine that Moscow claims as its own, an aide told Tass news agency, his life was not in danger.
Also hurt was Vitaly Khotsenko, the head of government of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, his press secretary told Russian news agencies.
Zelenskiy joined a long list of world leaders to address joint meetings of the Senate and House, Reuters reports, a tradition that began in 1874 with a visit by Hawaiian King Kalakaua and included almost legendary wartime visits by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as well as kings, queens and one pope.
But for Zelenskiy, whose wartime olive fatigues have become globally recognized, the House overlooked a rule that normally requires men to wear a jacket and tie inside the chamber.
Biden, a few minutes ago:
Just confirming that yes, the messages on the flag were written by soldiers – from the city of Bakhmut, which Zelenskiy visited on Tuesday.
“Bakhmut stands,” Zelenskiy said in his address. “Every inch of that land is soaked in blood… but the Ukrainian Donbas stands”.
Summary: what Zelenskiy told Congress
In an address to US congress made 12 days before Republicans take the House, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy – who was in the US on his first foreign visit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 300 days ago – emphasised that US aid will help Ukraine to secure a victory that will make the world safer.
He started by saying that the US, Europe and Ukraine had together “defeated Russian in the battle for minds of the world”.
Zelenskiy was also blunt about wanting more aid, saying that while he was grateful for commitments so far, it was not enough. He also called on the US to place further sanctions on Russia, and bring the people behind the war to justice. He used the words bipartisan repeatedly, and bicameral, at least once, and sought to assure Republican and Democrat lawmakers that aid for Ukraine was worthwhile, and that the country was a responsible steward of assistance.
Zelenskiy repeatedly referred to battles in world war two, which was likely strategic – a reminder that what is at stake is global politics, not just Ukraine’s freedom.
He quoted Franklin D Roosevelt’s during the second world war: “The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” adding, “I tell you: The Ukrainian people will win, too: absolutely.”
As he ended his speech, the thanked American families – the taxpayers funding US aid to Ukraine – saying, “Now, at this special Christmas time, I want to thank you, all of you. I thank every American family which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to our people.”
Zelenskiy departs
Zelenskiy has concluded his speech and left the chamber. From the Guardian’s Washington Correspondent David Smith, who is in the room:
Here is a clip from the speech, where Zelenskiy said, “Your support is crucial…We have artillery, yes. Thank you. We have it. Is it enough? Honestly, not really.”
From the Guardian’s Washington Correspondent David Smith, who is in the room: