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Invoking World War Two, Zelenskiy tells Congress aid is not charity

2022-12-23
photo:EPA-EFE

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the U.S. Congress on Wednesday that aid to Ukraine is an investment in democracy, not charity, and invoked American victory over the Nazis in a key World War Two battle to press for continued assistance.

Zelenskiy, on his first foreign wartime visit, wore his trademark olive green pants and sweater, and earlier met President Joe Biden, who urged support to keep flowing in 2023, when congressional approval for Ukrainian aid will be harder.

The United States has sent about $50 billion in assistance to Kyiv as Europe's biggest land conflict since 1945 drags on, killing tens of thousands, driving millions from their homes and reducing cities to ruins. On Wednesday, it pledged to provide Patriot missiles.

But some Republicans, who will take control of the House of Representatives from Democrats on Jan. 3, have expressed concerns about the price tag. They could hold up billions of dollars in war aid starting next month.

"Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelenskiy told a joint session of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, speaking in English.

The world was too interconnected to allow any country to stand aside and feel safe, he added.

Zelenskiy's speech was aimed at softening the concerns of Republicans when they take over Congress and keeping U.S. public opinion on his side with reminders of the hardships his people face.

source:https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-says-situation-extremely-difficult-several-ukrainian-regions-2022-12-20/

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