In a speech before the US Congress, he urges Biden to be “the leader of the world”
The president of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelensky, has demanded before the United States Congress more measures to curb Russian aggression and, by calling again for the imposition of a no-fly zone, has recalled attacks such as those of September 11, 2001. “Our country suffers the same every day,” he said.
Zelenski has appeared by videoconference before some standing congressmen, with specific calls for both the president of the United States, Joe Biden, and the legislators to further harden their positions in relation to the invasion that began on February 24 by order of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian president has included in his speech direct allusions to the history of the United States, such as the attack suffered at the Pearl Harbor base, the 9/11 attacks or the famous speech by Martin Luther King, changing the “I have a dream” by “I have a need” to ask for more help from international partners.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s “destiny is being decided right now”, although he warned that Russia’s “brutal offensive” is not directed only against his country, but also against universal “human values”. It is “the worst war since World War II”, he has pointed out.
“In the darkest moment for our country, for all of Europe, I ask you to do more. New sanctions packages are needed, constantly, every week, until the Russian military machine is stopped », he added.
Zelensky has demanded the “immediate” departure of all companies from Russia and sanctions against all senior officials, just as he has once again raised the no-fly zone — “is it too much to ask for?” he urged. In fact, he has shown a video with graphic examples of the war that has ended with a call to “close the sky” in Ukraine.
Alternatives to the exclusion zone
It would be, in his own words, a “humanitarian” no-fly zone. However, he has pointed out that, if this request is not accepted, there must be “alternatives” so that Ukraine receives weapons that allow it to respond with greater guarantees to the Russian offensive, for example missile systems.
Zelensky, who on Tuesday acknowledged the impossibility of Ukraine joining NATO, believes that it is time for “new institutions” of “new alliances” to stop the war, for which he has proposed “a union of responsible countries” capable of stop conflicts by activating “in 24 hours” all the necessary assistance, “including weapons”.
The president has concluded his speech with a direct appeal to Biden, whom he has summoned to take the reins of the international response. I wish you were the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace », he concluded, to the applause of those present.
#Zelensky #appeals #Ukraine #suffers #day