Zelensky’s historic moment

It was another moment in history when a number of us members of the diplomatic corps in Washington, DC were invited to the joint session of the US Congress where President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine delivered an impassioned appeal for support for his embattled nation.

His entry alone already elicited a standing ovation, with cheering and clapping that lasted for several minutes. The Ukrainian leader looked emotional at the overwhelming welcome he received, with his speech interrupted many times by enthusiastic clapping and standing ovations from the members of the audience, some of whom unfurled a flag of Ukraine.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier came up to us and thanked us for being present, but of course we were all more than grateful to her for inviting us to witness a historic moment, which reminded us of Winston Churchill’s impassioned speech before the US Congress during World War II.

It is obvious that President Zelensky is popular not only in Washington, DC but all throughout the United States. The streets of downtown Washington displayed the flag of Ukraine as an expression of solidarity and support by the American people, who have come to regard the blue and yellow banner as a symbol of democracy and courage against overwhelming odds.

In his speech, Zelensky directly addressed Americans, saying, “I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart!”

It was a powerful and inspiring message that the Ukrainian president delivered, underlining the fact that his country’s fight against the tyranny and aggression of forces that seek to undermine freedom and democracy is also the fight of the US and other nations.

He also compared what they are going through with the Battle of the Bulge during World War II when “brave American soldiers… held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944” – which is what “brave Ukrainian soldiers” are also doing against Russian forces, holding the lines with no thought of surrender.

“This battle is not only for the territory – for this or another part of Europe. This battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation, which Russia attempts to conquer. This struggle will define – in what world our children and grandchildren will live and then – their children and grandchildren. It will define whether it will be a democracy – for Ukrainians and for Americans – for all,” Zelensky emphasized.

He described what millions of Ukrainians are going through with no running water and power in many cities, their situation made even more difficult by harsh winter conditions, celebrating Christmas with candle light “not because it is more romantic, but because there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have either heating nor running water” – due to Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

In some cities where electricity is available, the schedule is limited to about 8 hours to keep the power grid from being overwhelmed, during which time people charge their cellphones to keep in touch with the world.

President Zelensky recounted a visit to the frontlines in Bakhmut, one of Ukraine’s strongholds in the Donbas region that “Russian military and mercenaries” have been attacking non-stop since May. What used to be a city of 70,000 people now has only a few civilians staying, he said.

“Every inch of that land is soaked in blood. Roaring guns sound every hour. Trenches in the Donbas change hands several times a day in fierce combat and even hand fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands,” he declared – a testament to the bravery of the people of Ukraine whose tenacity, courage and fortitude to stand up against aggression and protect their country even at the cost of their lives has inspired admiration and respect. Despite the odds in a war that has gone on for more than 300 days – “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

Zelensky’s appeal for help has certainly resonated with the United States that has been showing its all-out support, with the US Senate approving the $1.7-trillion budget bill that includes close to $45-billion funding for Ukraine. Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder had also announced the expansion of the US-led training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to include joint maneuver and combined arms operations training, while building upon the specialized equipment training that the US is already providing.

The “omnibus bill” also earmarked $858 billion in defense spending – about $45 billion more than what President Joe Biden asked for – representing a 10 percent increase from 2022 levels. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the support for Ukraine has revealed the need for the US to enhance its capacity to resupply weapons and ensure that the US is able to support Ukraine and at the same time, be ready to deal with contingencies elsewhere in the world.

As succinctly pointed out by President Zelensky, the financial assistance provided by the US is “not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy” that Ukraine vows to handle “in the most responsible way.”

Enemy drones and missiles may force the people of Ukraine to stay in bomb shelters, with the harsh winter exacerbating their situation due to the lack of heat and water – but the light of their faith, and the collective goodwill of Americans and people all over the world cheering them on, will keep their hearts warm and lift up their spirits during this Christmas season and beyond.

We only have one wish for the brave people of Ukraine – that peace reign in their country for the coming year!

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