Photo: Collected
Metropolis Desk-
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 we handle most responsibly.”
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.
