'Ukraine is alive and kicking': Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses Congress amid cheers, pledges of support - recap

W ASHINGTON – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the comedic actor turned Ukrainian leader, delivered perhaps the most dramatic performance of his career Wednesday, embarking on a whirlwind tour that culminated in an address to Congress where he urged lawmakers to keep sending aid to his war-ravaged nation.

“Your money is not charity,” he told his congressional audience, which included some Republicans wary of sending a "blank check" to Ukraine when they take over the House in January. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”

Still, Zelenksyy earned bipartisan applause for his comments – defiantly noting that, while more assistance is needed, no amount of Russian troops and missiles can bludgeon the will of his people: "Ukraine is alive and kicking."

Clad in the green military garb of a war-time president, Zelenskyy first met with President Joe Biden at the White House Wednesday afternoon who pledged staunch and sustained support for Ukraine in its war with Russia:

"You will never stand alone," Biden told Zelenskyy as both stood near each other during an afternoon news conference in the packed East Room of the White House.

Zelenskyy's visit comes as Biden and Congress reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine by sending billions in humanitarian and military aid to the war-ravaged country, including nearly $2 billion for a strategically important Patriot Air Defense System.

Congress is set to pass another $44 billion in Ukraine aid through the omnibus spending bill expected to pass this week.

Latest developments:

• Capitol Hill: The Ukrainian president met with congressional leaders before delivering a rousing speech in English to a joint session. "Ukraine is alive and kicking," he told the lawmakers assembled in the House chamber who cheered loudly several times during his speech - even when he asked for more aid.
• Biden tete-a-tete: Zelenskyy met with Biden behind closed doors for more than two hours. Both presidents held a news conference to reaffirm their alliance. This evening, Zelenskyy will address a joint session of Congress.
• Air defense assistance: Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the details of a $1.85 billion military package for Ukraine, including the transfer of the Patriot Air Defense System – the most advanced air weaponry the Biden administration has provided Kyiv to date in its battle against Russia.
• Billions in Ukraine aid: Congress is set to pass a spending bill this week that includes about $44 billion for Ukraine in military and humanitarian assistance Some Republicans have resisted giving what House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has called a "blank check" to the U.S. ally.

President Biden welcomes President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on the South Lawn of the White House, Dec 21, 2022. The Ukrainian President visited Washington to meet with Biden and US lawmakers. President Zelenskyy will also address a joint meeting of Congress at the Capitol during his first trip outside his country since Russia began its violent invasion of Ukraine in February.© Josh Morgan, USA TODAY

Zelenskyy gives Pelosi Ukraine flag as ‘symbol of our victory’

Before ending his speech, Zelenskyy turned around and handed Pelosi a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers who asked that he give it to Congress.

“This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war,” Zelenskyy said. “We stand, we fight and we will win because we are united – Ukraine, America and the entire free world.”

Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris held the flag in a display of solidarity as Zelenskyy finished his remarks.

In turn, Pelosi presented Zelenskyy with a United States flag that flew over the Capitol to commemorate his visit.

- Joey Garrison

No joke: Zelenskky puns on Putin

Zelenskyy jabbed at Putin with a play on words, saying Ukraine is developing strong security guarantees for itself and the world.

“Together with you, we’ll put in place everyone who will defy freedom: Put-in,” the former comedic actor told lawmakers.

- Maureen Groppe