Volodymyr Zelensky appeals for no-fly zone over Ukraine while addressing US Congress, cites 9/11 in plea for help
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a significant address virtually to members of the US House and Senate on Wednesday and pleaded with US lawmakers to implement a no-fly zone over the nation under attack.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the severe sanctions the US has put on Russia, but stressed the need for greater military assistance, specifically in the form of a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President also spoke to the American ideals of freedom, and said now is a decisive moment for Ukraine’s future.
‘Right now, the destiny of our country is being decided. The destiny of our people where the Ukrainians will be free, whether they will be able to preserve their democracy,’ Zelensky said, addressing Congress though a translator.
‘Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities, it went on a brutal offense against our values, basic human values,’ he said.
Zelensky called the current attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s Capital city, the ‘worst war since World War II,’ highlighting the unprovoked missile and air strikes at the hands of Russia taking place in Ukraine daily.
He further drew on American ideals by speaking about the significance of Mount Rushmore, and spoke sympathetically about America’s own horrific moments in history.
‘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,’ he said.
Zelensky then asked lawmakers to remember times America was under attack in considering his request for help, specifically mentioning the attacks of Pearl Harbor in World War II and on the terrorist attacks on World Trade Center in 2001.
‘Just like nobody else expected it, you could not stop it. Our country experienced the same every day,’ he said.
In closing his historic speech, Zelensky switched from speaking Ukrainian to English, and made a direct plea to US President Joe Biden.
He spoke of being a leader, and said being a ‘leader of a nation’ is simply not enough when your neighboring nations are suffering. He called on Biden to become a ‘leader of peace.’
‘I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the deaths. And this is my main issue as the leader of the people, great Ukrainians, and as the leader of my nation,’ Zelensky said.
‘I’m addressing the President Biden: You are the leader of the nation, of your great nation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,’ he said, concluding his speech.
His remarks to US lawmakers come after a similar address to UK Parliament last week and a Tuesday speech to Canada’s parliament.
US lawmakers gave Zelensky a standing ovation ahead of his address and as he concluded his remarks. The speech comes as Biden gears up to go to Brussels to attend a NATO summit meeting next week.
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