Zelenskyy asks US ‘to do more’ on sanctions, aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, drawing parallels to horrific moments in American history to explain his country’s plight, called on the U.S. to ramp up its aid to Ukraine in a virtual address to Congress on Wednesday, three weeks into his nation’s fierce struggle to repel invading Russian troops.

“Right now, the destiny of our country is being decided, the destiny of our people,” said Zelenskyy, who drew a standing ovation from Congress at the start of his speech from Kyiv. “Whether Ukrainians will be free, whether they will be able to save their democracy.” 

Zelenskyy referenced Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11 attacks to explain to members of Congress the situation his country faces now. This is Ukraine’s experience “every day, right now.”

In English at the end of his speech, he addressed President Joe Biden directly: “President Biden, you are the leader 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 added, “I call on you to do more.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Zelenskyy’s address to Congress differed from his past remarks in that it was “not a more desperate ask, but a more resolved ask.” 


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