Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky said Wednesday in a historic speech to the U.S. Congress that «Ukraine will never surrender» despite the actions of Russian troops on its territory.
Zelenski, who delivered a speech in English lasting about half an hour before U.S. congressmen, stressed that his army will achieve «absolute victory», pointing out that Washington’s economic and military aid is «an investment in global security».
«Against all odds and pessimistic scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking,» the Ukrainian leader said at the beginning of his speech, noting that «Ukrainians are not afraid, nor should the world be.»
Thus, he pointed out that Ukraine shows «courage that inspires the whole world», while the United States «has united the international community to protect freedom and international law». He also stressed that «Europe is now stronger and more independent than ever».
«Russian tyranny has lost control over us and will never influence our minds again,» Zelenski assured, words that caused a standing ovation from those present in the Chamber.
Meanwhile, he asserted that «Russians will have a chance to be free only when they win over the Kremlin in their minds». He also said that «we must take the necessary steps» to ensure that the countries that are part of the «global south» also take a stand in this regard.
«Russia must be won on the battlefield. But this battle is not only limited to the territory, somewhere in Europe. Our battle is not only for the life, liberty or security of Ukrainians or any other country Russia tries to conquer. This issue will define what world our children and grandchildren will live in,» he denounced.
«This battle cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored in the hope that the ocean or something else will provide protection,» he criticized.
«From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America and from every country to Australia, the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow anyone to stand on the sidelines and at the same time feel safe when such a battle continues,» he said.
In this regard, Zelenski stressed that Kiev and Washington «are allies in this battle», as next year «will be a turning point» to ensure «the future of common freedom», thanks to Ukrainian courage and American determination.
After the U.S. Congress welcomed the Ukrainian leader with a standing ovation, Zelensky thanked the applause, noting that the acclaim for his presence in the House «is too much» for him and for his «great people», all this in what was the first foreign trip of the president since the Russian invasion of his country began on February 24.
Thus, he addressed the congressmen and «all those who value freedom and justice», while he thanked the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, for «heroically» visiting Ukraine, and the Vice-President of the Biden Administration, Kamala Harris, for the help provided.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
