Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded to Congress for more aid during an address at the Capitol on Wednesday, US News reports.
Zelensky in his first known overseas trip since Russia’s invasion met with President Joe Biden and later addressed members of Congress, pleading for additional aid.
"Your money is not charity," Zelensky said. "It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."
Thanks to the Ukrainian resistance, "Ukraine is alive and kicking. … The Russian tyranny has lost control over us,” he said.
"It gives me great pleasure to share our first joint victory: We defeated Russia in the minds of the world," he continued.
"The occupiers have an advantage in artillery,” he added. “They have much more planes and missiles than we have ever had. We have artillery, yes, thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really.”
Patriot missile:
Biden vowed to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles to defend against Russian aggression.
A reporter pressed Zelensky during a news conference whether he is concerned that the move could prompt Russia to escalate.
Zelensky chuckled and said “we are in a war.”
“What’s going to happen after the Patriots are installed? We will send a message to President Biden that we would like more Patriots,” Zelensky said. “We are in a war. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.”
Biden earlier on Wednesday announced a $1.85 billion aid package to Ukraine, that includes the missiles.
GOP opposition to aid:
The Senate is set to vote on a $1.7 trillion omnibus bill on Thursday that includes an additional $45 billion in economic and military aid for Ukraine.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said the aid remains "the number one priority of the United States rights now according to most Republicans."
But some far-right lawmakers pushed back.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz said in a statement that Zelenskyy "did not change my stance on suspending aid for Ukraine and investigating fraud in transfers already made."
"President Zelenskyy should be commended for putting his country first, but American politicians who indulge his requests are unwilling to do the same for ours," he said. "Hemorrhaging billions of taxpayer dollars for Ukraine while our country is in crisis is the definition of America last."
