Zelenskyy directs appeal to GOP critics, says no country is safe if Ukraine falters

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a direct appeal to Republican critics during his Wednesday speech to a joint meeting of Congress, telling lawmakers that no country was immune to Russian aggression.

In a speech that won several standing ovations from both sides of the aisle, Zelenskyy predicted the war would reach a turning point next year just as Republicans moved to take control of the state House of Representatives. -United.

“The struggle will define what world our children and grandchildren will live in,” Zelenskyy said. “This battle cannot be frozen or postponed, it cannot be ignored hoping that [an] the ocean or something else will provide protection.”

The Ukrainian president said the world was “too interconnected and interdependent” for the United States “to stand aside and at the same time feel safe when such a battle continues.”

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the US Congress as US Vice President Kamala Harris and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applaud at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on December 21, 2022. (MANDEL NGAN/ AFP via Getty Images)

“Your money is not charity,” he said. “It is an investment in global security and democracy that we manage in the most responsible way.”

Zelenskyy said US support is crucial not only for Ukraine’s victory, but also to show Russia and China that “no one can succeed in breaking national borders” or committing atrocities. And he made a direct appeal for more US military aid.

“Ukraine never asked for American soldiers to fight on our land for us,” Zelenskyy said. “I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes on their own.”

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“More guns and shells are needed,” the president said. “Russia can stop its aggression if it wants to, but you can hasten our victory.”

Zelenskyy’s speech came as Congress is expected to pass a $1.7 trillion spending bill this week. The bill includes more than $45 billion in additional military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, bringing the total US commitment to the war to more than $100 billion if passed.

A resident walks by a house destroyed by Russian shelling in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko/File)

Some Republican lawmakers, particularly in the House, have criticized sending more money to Ukraine. They argued that it is inappropriate to send more aid without having proper accountability measures or a plan to end the war.

“Most of my constituents don’t want their money sent to Ukraine, especially not without oversight or auditing,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

“Ukraine never asked for American soldiers to fight on our land for us,” Zelenskyy said. “I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes on their own.”

Other House Republicans have also lambasted the idea of ​​spending money to bolster Ukraine’s security as the US-Mexico border faces an immigration crisis.

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“I will oppose giving more money to Ukraine while our own southern border remains open to an invasion led by drug cartels,” said Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill.

Zelenskyy during Wednesday’s speech challenged GOP lawmakers to think bigger in their worldview.

“I know that everything depends on us, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and yet a lot depends on the world,” Zelenskyy said. “So much in the world depends on you.”

Haris Alic is a political reporter for Fox News Digital and covers Congress.

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