In historic address, Ukraine's Zelenskyy tells Congress: 'We are united ... the entire free world'

Earlier Wednesday, Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden at the White House.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a dramatic visit to Washington Wednesday -- his first known trip outside Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February.

He met with President Joe Biden at the White House and later addressed Congress as lawmakers are set to vote on $45 billion more in emergency aid as part of a larger spending package. Biden on Wednesday also announced the U.S. will send Ukraine a Patriot anti-missile battery to defend against devastating Russian attacks.

In a virtual address to U.S. lawmakers back in March, Zelenskyy emotionally pleaded for more aggressive measures to help fight the war. Invoking key American tragedies, including Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11 attacks, Zelenskyy told members at the time, "Just remember it … Our country experiences the same every day right now."


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Biden says US will support Ukraine in pursuing a 'just peace'

Welcoming Zelenskyy back to the Oval Office, Biden said it was an honor to be meeting again amid the "brutal" war being waged by Russia's Vladimir Putin.

"Hard to believe 300 days we've going through this, and Putin has waged a brutal assault on the Ukraine's right to exist as a nation and the attack on innocent Ukrainian people for no reason other than to intimidate," Biden said.

"And he's escalated his assault on civilians after hitting schools, orphanages, hospitals, landmarks, it's just -- and he's trying to use winter as a weapon. But the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world. I mean that sincerely, not just inspire us but inspire the world with their courage and how they have chose resilience and resolve for their future," Biden said.

Biden said Democrats and Republicans will make sure Ukraine has the economic, humanitarian and security assistance they need to keep fighting and will "support Ukraine in pursuing a just peace."

"President Zelenskyy, the United States stands with the brave people of Ukraine, we stand with you, you've been a great leader," he said as he turned it over to Zelenskyy to give remarks.


Biden greets Zelenskyy at the White House

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted Zelenskyy on the South Lawn of the White House Wednesday afternoon just after 2 p.m. Zelenskyy, donning army green, shook hands with the Bidens after exiting the motorcade.

The South Portico, decorated with holiday wreaths, was also adorned with the American and Ukrainian flags.

"Mr. President, welcome back," Biden said.

In a show of support, Biden was wearing a blue-and-yellow striped tie, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.


Zelenskyy arrives at Blair House

President Zelenskyy has arrived at Blair House, which now has a Ukrainian flag flying overhead. Blair House, located across the street from the White House, is the residence where foreign dignitaries often stay when visiting Washington.


McConnell says more Ukraine aid boosts ‘American interests’

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., made the case for more military aid for Ukraine on Wednesday as some in his party oppose sending more money to the nation.

"The reason that a big bipartisan majority of the American people and a big bipartisan majority in Congress support continuing to assist Ukraine is not primarily about inspiring speeches or desire to engage in philanthropy," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

"The most basic reasons for continuing to help Ukraine degrade and defeat the Russian invaders are cold, hard, practical, American interests," he continued. "Helping equip our friends in eastern Europe defeat this world is also a direct investment in reducing Putin's future capabilities to menace America, threaten our allies and contest our core interests."

But some in the GOP are questioning the amount of aid being sent to Ukraine, arguing the government should be investing that money domestically. "American taxpayers are literally paying to prop up many countries all over the world in foreign aid, but America is virtually crumbling before our eyes," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene argued in a series of tweets on Wednesday.

Other Republicans argue the need for more oversight of the funds being approved for Ukraine, stating they don't want to write a "blank check" to Ukraine.