Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has made his first foreign trip since Russia’s invasion of his country.
In a visit to the United States on Wednesday, Zelensky thanked US President Joe Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine.
He described the US military and economic assistance provided over the past year as vital to Ukraine’s efforts to defeat Russia and appealed for more.
“Your money is not charity, it’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelensky said.
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During his address to the US congress, the Ukrainian president told lawmakers that his country was still standing “against all odds” and predicted “a turning point” in the conflict next year.
While vowing that Ukraine would never surrender, Zelensky said the country needs more weaponry.
“We have artillery, yes, thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really. For the Russian army to completely pull out, more cannons and shells are needed,” Zelensky said.
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On his part, Biden vowed to stick by Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.
He said the US and Ukraine would maintain their “united defence” as Russia wages a “brutal assault on Ukraine’s right to exist as a nation,” adding that he would help to bring about a “just peace”.
Already, the US has committed $50bn of humanitarian, financial and security assistance — far more than any other country.
Biden pledged a new $2bn aid package and promised another $45bn.
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