Zelenskyy Pleads to Congress as Russia-Ukraine War Intensifies

On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked U.S. lawmakers to do more in helping to protect his country from Russia’s aggression in an address that he delivered to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

“Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people,” the Ukrainian president said in his virtual address. He then showed a graphic video showing the horrors the Russian invasion has caused in Ukraine, ending with “close the sky over Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy then went on to further his push for the implementation of a no-fly zone over his country and asked for more planes and tools for defense to fight back against the Russians’ invasion that started last month. The said war has already caused large-scale damage in the former Soviet country and has caused millions of Ukrainians to flee as refugees to neighboring countries. Zelenskyy also called for more sanctions versus Russia.

Currently, Ukraine is facing something that Europe has yet to experience since the second world war, and this country’s future is currently being decided, the Ukrainian president said.

“Is this a lot to ask for — to create a no-fly zone over Ukraine to save people? Is this too much?” Zelenskyy asked, saying Kyiv is being attacked everyday. He, however, added that he, “doesn’t give up.”

Zelenskyy went to end his address with a direct plea stated in English that is addressed to U.S. President Joe Biden. He said: “I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace.”

Along with NATO, the U.S. president and numerous U.S. lawmakers have pushed back against implementing a no-fly zone due to concerns that would escalate conflict against Russia. Also, so far, the White House has yet to support a proposal that would help transfer Russia-made MiGs into Ukraine, but this idea has seen some support in Congress.

“I have a dream. These words are known to each of you today. I can say: I have a need. I need to protect our sky,” Zelenskyy said.

Following his speech, the Ukrainian president received a standing ovation. Many U.S. lawmakers expressed that they were moved by his address.

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