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“SLAVA UKANINl” — As Zelensky Brings The Stature And Face of Freedom To Washington

By tom On Wednesday, December 21 st, 2022 · no Comments · In And more news stories ,News stories ,Writing

By Tom Squitieri
Red Snow News
WASHINGTON –– He entered Washington less than 24 hours after appearing with his front-line troops in a city under war zone fire. He presented Congress with a Ukrainian battle flag, given to him on Tuesday in that frontline city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine and signed by the troops.
And Volodymyr Zelensky met the opportunity to talk to Washington and take its attention fully using resolute, captivating, humor, history and magnetism.
“We stand united,” he said.
His address to Congress, which lasted 24 minutes, was the first time a foreign leader addressed Congress during wartime since Winston Churchill did so in 1941 during World War II. The trip to Washington was also the first known time Zelensky has left Ukraine since Russia invaded in late February.
“Just like the Battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the trajectory of our war for independence and for freedom,” he said at one point – gambling that Americans know their own history.
“They threw everything against us, similar to the other tyranny, which is in the Battle of the Bulge, threw everything it had against the free world. Just like the brave American soldiers which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas,” he added.
He also connected Russia to one nation considered by the GOP to be a danger to the U.S. “Russia found an ally in this genocidal policy — Iran,” Zelensky said. “Iranian deadly drones sent to Russia in the hundreds became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other.”
At another point in his speech, Zelensky noted the skills of Ukrainian soldiers when it comes to operating U.S. weaponry. “Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves,” he said, leading to laughs and claps in the chamber.
As Zelensky wrapped up his speech, you could hear shouts of “Slava Ukraini,” which means “glory to Ukraine,” in the chamber.
“I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart,” Zelensky said. “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
He said that “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.”
Earlier, at the end of Wednesday’s news conference, Biden sought to reassure Zelensky, telling him, “You don’t have to worry. We are staying with Ukraine as long as Ukraine is there.”
Zelensky said that Ukraine had “already offered proposals.” He did not say what they were, but he said he had discussed them with Biden, the president was supportive of them, and they included 10 points for “our joint security.” There was also mention of a summit.
Asked about the idea of a “just peace,” he mused on what that phrase might mean for his compatriots who had lost family members to Russian aggression. “You know how many parents lost their sons, daughters on the front lines? So what is just peace for them? Money is nothing, and no compensations or reparations are of no consequence,” he said at the press conference.
Before the visit, senior administration officials told reporters that the visit would be “an important injection of momentum.” That theory will now be tested.
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