By KYIV. Dec 22 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the civilized countries on defeating Russia in their heads.
"The Ukrainians gained this victory – and it gives us courage, which inspires the entire world. Americans gained this victory – and that’s why you have succeeded in uniting the global community to protect freedom and international law. Europeans gained this victory – and that’s why Europe is now stronger and more independent than ever," he said, speaking on Wednesday evening in Washington before senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
"And we have to defeat the Kremlin on the battlefield. 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," he said.
According to Zelensky, "this battle cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored hoping that the ocean or something else will provide a protection. From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from Africa to Australia – the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stay aside – and at the same time – to feel safe when such a battle continues. Our two nations are Allies in this battle."
Next year, Zelensky said, the time will come when Ukrainian courage and American determination must guarantee the future of our freedom.
He mentioned Bakhmut, which Russian troops are constantly storming. "But the Ukrainian Donbas stands. The Russian military and mercenaries have been attacking Bakhmut non-stop since May. They have been attacking it day and night. But Bakhmut stands. Last year seventy thousand people lived there in Bakhmut and now only few civilians stay," the president said, adding that "Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender!"
"And your support is crucial – not just to stand in such fights, but to get to the turning point. To win on the battlefield. To ensure Bakhmut is not just a stronghold that holds back the Russian army – but for the Russian army to completely pull out – more cannons and shells are needed. If so, just like the battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the trajectory of our war for independence and freedom," the president said.
Zelensky recalled the use of Iranian drones by the Russian army. "Iranian deadly drones, sent to Russia in hundreds, became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time – when they will strike against your other allies, if we do not stop them now. We must do it," he said.
Ukraine, Zelensky noted, has never asked and never asks for American soldiers to fight on our soil instead of us. "But Ukrainian soldiers can control modern American tanks and aircraft. So your support is critical. Like financial assistance, it would be right and timely to provide a financial package for 2023," the president said.
Zelensky also recalled the Peace Formula proposed by Ukraine. "Each of you, distinguished members of Congress, can contribute to its implementation. To ensure America’s leadership remains undisputed. You can increase sanctions in such a way as to make Russia feel how destructive its aggression is. It is in your power to help us hold to account all those who unleashed this unprovoked and illegal war," the president said.
"In two days, we will celebrate Christmas. Maybe, candlelit. Not because it is more romantic. But because there will be no electricity. Millions won’t have neither heating nor running water. All of this will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure. But we do not complain. We do not judge and compare whose life is easier," he said.
"We, Ukrainians, will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success. We’ll celebrate Christmas – and even if there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out. If Russian missiles attack us – we’ll do our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian drones and our people will have to go to bomb shelters on Christmas eve – Ukrainians will still sit down at a holiday table and cheer up each other. And we don’t have to know everyone’s wish as we know that all of us, millions of Ukrainians, wish the same – victory. Only victory," Zelensky said.
He also handed over to Spokesperson of the House Nancy Pelosi a flag that Bakhmut’s defenders had asked him to hand over. For his part, Zelensky was presented with an American flag, which was removed from the Capitol.
