Zelensky called for more US help and stronger sanctions against Moscow, telling lawmakers Ukraine “will never surrender,” and that their support “is not charity” but an investment in democracy.
Former Russian space chief injured by shelling in Ukraine, state media says
From CNN's Jonny Hallam
A former director of Russia’s space agency was wounded by Ukrainian shelling in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, according to state-run news agency TASS.
Ex-Roscomos head Dmitry Rogozin, who now leads a team of Russian military volunteers in the Donbas region, was taken to hospital with a back wound after his hotel in Donetsk came under shelling, his aide told TASS.
The strike in the Russian-occupied city killed at least two people and injured several more, TASS reported.
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Zelensky had "sincere and supportive" meeting with Biden, source says
Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic visit to the United States went well and he is “pleased” with the outcome, a source close to the Ukrainian president told CNN’s Jake Tapper.
Speaking to Congress Wednesday, Zelensky spoke of the strong ties between the US and his country, while giving a message of hope to Ukrainians at home.
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Lawmakers react to Zelensky's wartime address to Congress
From CNN's Morgan Rimmer and Ali Zaslav
Zelenskiy arrives to speak a .joint meeting of Congress.
(Nathan Howard/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are reacting to the historic, wartime address from the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the war against Russia continues. The president came to Washington, DC, to thank Americans, but also to call for continued support from the US — something US President Joe Biden has reiterated during the visit.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said Zelensky “was inspirational as usual” tonight in his address
Senate Minority Whip John Thune said Zelensky “made the case for why American resolve is critical to the success of Ukraine,” which in turn is critical to “the broader success of freedom and democracy all around the world.”
Thune said that while listening to Zelensky, he could “feel the intensity for his country and people and their desire for freedom and democracy,” and called it “inspiring.” He added that Zelensky’s speech “came from the heart.”
GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis, who has voted against Ukraine aid in the past, emerged from Zelensky’s speech saying she felt it was “wise” for him to “thank every American family” before thanking the Congress, to recognize “it’s the sacrifice of the American families and the American people that makes this money available to them.”
She said she’s opposed funding because it’s “coming out of taxpayers’ pockets” and she’s been advocating to use International Monetary Fund special drawing rights to provide the funding to Ukraine.
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5 key quotes from Zelensky's speech to Congress tonight
(Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday spoke of the strong ties between the United States and his country, while giving a message of hope to Ukrainians at home.
Here are five key quotes from his historic speech at Capitol Hill:
Zelensky called for continued financial support from the US, telling the US Congress: “Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
Zelensky urged members of Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia and “let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression.” He noted that US President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan, but added that each member of Congress can assist in the implementation.
The Russians “use everything” against Ukrainian cities such as Bakhmut, but Ukraine “holds its lines and will never surrender,” Zelenksy said to roaring applause. “Last year, 70,000 people lived there in Bakhmut… Now only a few civilians stay. Every inch of that land is soaked in blood… Donbas changed hands several time in fierce combat, and even hand-fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands,” he said.
Zelensky said Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the atrocities of the war, telling Congress: “Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out.”
Zelensky ended his speech by saying Ukraine will achieve “absolute victory,” reiterating his strong opening comments, which said: “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”
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McCarthy said Zelensky gave a "good speech" — but "I never support a blank check"
From CNN's Annie Grayer
McCarthy (R-CA) attends a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol where Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will deliver remarks, in Washington, U.S., December 21, 2022. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
(Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he thought Ukrainian President Zelensky’s speech was “good,” but that he wants to make sure there’s “accountability” for any aid the US gives Ukraine.
When asked what he discussed with Zelensky before the speech McCarthy said, “we’ve talked about where the war is at, what do we need to be able to win?”
McCarthy’s comments come as certain Republicans have pushed back on providing more aid to Ukraine.
Some context: In his speech, Zelensky called on lawmakers for their continued support, but argued that aid given to Ukraine comes down to protecting democracy.
“Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelensky said in his address.
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Schumer says Zelensky speech came at "right time"
From CNN's Ali Zaslav
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi chat with Ukraine's President Zelensky at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Wednesday, December 21.
(Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech came “at the right time” as senators are trying to pass a government funding bill with billions in critical additional aid to Ukraine.
On what he thinks this means for passage of the government funding tonight, Schumer said: “I hope it will shake some people… I hope people realize how important passing this package is. When I was with him privately I asked with the four leaders sitting there, I said, ‘What does it mean if we don’t pass this package’ He says … ‘If we don’t pass this kind of aid,’ he says, ‘it would mean we’d lose the war.’”
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Zelensky invokes US Revolutionary War history in address to Congress
From CNN's Sonnet Swire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invoked the Battles of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolutionary War, in his speech to Congress Wednesday evening.
The Battles of Saratoga in 1777 marked the climax of a military campaign in Saratoga, New York, giving a decisive victory to the Americans over the British in the American Revolutionary War.
The victory marked a historical pivot in the war, fueling morale for American soldiers and persuading foreign powers to align with the colonists against the British.
Zelensky presents Congress with flag signed by Ukrainian troops
(
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Congress with a flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers as a gift to say thank you for the weapons that had been sent.
The flag was given to Zelensky on Tuesday in the frontline city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.
“This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are united. Ukraine, America, and the entire free world,” Zelensky said.
In return, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Zelensky a folded US flag that had flown over the Capitol building on Wednesday.
Members of Congress gave Zelensky a standing ovation and applauded the exchange.
Zelensky urges US Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia
(Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged members of the US Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia and “let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression.”
In his address, Zelensky noted that US President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan, but added that each member of Congress can assist in the implementation.
“We need peace. Yes. Ukraine has already offered proposals, which I just discussed with President Biden, our peace formula — 10 points which should and must be implemented for our joint security… and the summit which can be held. I am glad to share that President Biden supported our peace initiative today. Each of you, ladies and gentlemen, can assist in the implementation to ensure that Americans leadership remains solid, bicameral. and bipartisan,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky: "The light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out" at Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the atrocities of the war, telling Congress: “Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out.”
Just like the “brave American soldiers which held their lines” and fought against Hitler’s Nazi Germany in 1944, Ukrainian soldiers “are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas,” Zelensky said to applause.
“All of us, millions of Ukrainians, wish the same. Victory. Only victory,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky tells Congress their "money is not charity" but an investment in democracy
More than 300 days into the war, soldiers in Ukraine are defending their country, but they need more weapons to win on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Congress.
“Here, the front line, the tyranny — which has no lack of cruelty against the lives of free people — and your support is crucial not just to stand in such fight but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield,” he said.
Zelensky said Ukraine is fighting for its “independence and freedom” but called for the United States’ continued support to achieve those goals.
Ukraine’s president tried to make the case that although aid benefits Ukraine — it is also in the interest of the United States and other Western allies.
“Iranian deadly drones sent to Russia in hundreds and hundreds became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. We must do it,” he said.
“Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender,” Zelensky added.
Zelensky: Russians "use everything" but Ukraine will "never surrender"
(Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a message of hope for the Ukrainian people during his address to Congress Wednesday, saying the Russians “use everything” against cities such as Bakhmut but Ukraine “holds its lines and will never surrender.”
The Russians “have been taking (the city of 70,000 people day and night, but Bakhmut stands,” Zelensky said to roaring applause.
“Russians use everything, everything they have against Bakhmut and other of our beautiful cities, the occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery. They have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had. It’s true. But our defense forces stand,” he said.
Zelensky: The world is too interconnected to stand on the sidelines of Ukraine war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the world is too interconnected to ignore Russia’s war in Ukraine during his address to Congress.
He also highlighted the shared values of the United States and Ukraine.
“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.
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Zelensky's opening message to Congress: "Ukraine is alive and kicking"
(Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to Capitol Hill with a strong message: “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”
Zelensky is addressing members of Congress after presenting a united front withUSPresident Joe Biden, who assured continued support for Ukraine.
He also thanked Americans and “all those who value freedom and justice,” for their efforts in helping Ukraine.
Zelensky greeted with loud and sustained applause as he enters the House floor
(Pool)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky entered the US House floor to boisterous and sustained applause as he was welcomed by members of Congress and members of US President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.
NOW: Zelensky addresses joint session of US Congress
(Pool)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is addressing a joint session of US Congress in an effort to appeal to lawmakers and American citizens to continue to support the ongoing war in his country.
Sources told CNN’s Jake Tapper that he will discuss a peace formula that he told US President Joe Biden about and will express a willingness to have a peace summit of some sort this winter.
Zelensky will also address the American people, noting shared values and directly thanking them and politicians of both parties. But in order to continue to protect his country, he will continue to ask for help with sanctions, weapons, financial assistance and justice — but underlining he has never asked for US troops on the ground, sources told CNN.
Earlier today, Zelensky held a bilateral meeting with Biden and discussed ways which the US can continue its support of Ukraine.
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White House says US "obviously would support a diplomatic path forward" between Ukraine and Russia
From CNN's DJ Judd
White House spokesman John Kirby reiterated Wednesday that while the US is hopeful for “a just peace,” in Ukraine, President Joe Biden is deferring to his Ukrainian counterpart when it comes to negotiations.
Biden “obviously wants to seek a just peace here in accordance with what the Ukrainian President [Volodymyr] Zelensky desires to be the outcome there,” Kirby told CNN Wednesday.
Instead, Kirby, said, Biden focused on the United States’ continued commitment to provide security assistance to Ukraine, both in public and behind closed doors.
But he declined to weigh in on speculation about a peace summit, saying the administration “want to study that a little bit more.”
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Zelensky met with 4 top US congressional leaders
From CNN's Kristin Wilson, Daniella Diaz and Manu Raju
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the top US congressional leaders ahead of his remarks to the chamber tonight.
Zelensky met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy in Pelosi’s ceremonial office off the House chamber.
Zelensky is expected to address a joint chamber of Congress at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Pelosi welcomes Zelensky to Capitol Hill ahead of his address to Congress
(Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of his address to Congress, which is expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.
“Here we are today to welcome the brave, courageous President Zelensky in order to praise — not only him — but the courageous, unified people of Ukraine for what they are doing to protect democracy,” Pelosi told reporters from the US Capitol.
Pelosi noted that the “the entire Congress, Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, look forward to hearing” from him Wednesday evening.
Zelensky also briefly addressed reporters, noting that it is his second time at the US Capitol and the last time he visited was before the war and Russian invasion of his country.
Pelosi made an unannounced visit to Kyiv earlier this year and met with Zelensky. She was joined by several senior House Democrats on the trip.
CNN’s Michelle Watson and Eliza Mackintosh contributed to this report.
