By PRFSU Writers 2023-2024 Sienna Burns
On Dec. 21, 2022, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional speech to the United States Congress. Ukraine has been at war with Russia since the beginning of 2022, and this trip for Zelensky marked his first journey out of his country since the war broke out – and it was not an easy one. Zelenskey had to take extreme caution while exiting his country due to the possibility of Russian capture or air strikes. Zelenskey took a secret overnight train ride to Poland, where the United States Air Force met him with a plane. The support from American troops helped to ensure his safe arrival in the United States.
Zelensley arrived in the nation’s capital and was welcomed with open arms. He arrived wearing casual attire; army green cargo pants and a plain army green sweatshirt. His humble appearance moved many as he greeted national leaders, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice president Kamala Harris.
Zelenskey began his speech by addressing the American people, their families, communities, and cities. He expressed that he hoped his words would touch every American Citizen. He then thanked the Vice President and the Speaker of the House for the efforts that they have put forth in terms of supporting Ukraine. He exemplified Ukrainian morale while professing that “Ukraine is alive and kicking.” He went on to explain that the Ukrainian people are fearless as they had already won their first, and most important battle against the Russians, the battle for the minds of the world, and that with this victory, the Ukrainians can overcome their adversaries and grow to be a powerful country in the global arena with America’s help.
He then went on to discuss his time before he arrived in the states. He had recently traveled to the front lines in Bakhmut, a former prosperous city now taken over by battlefields and artillery. He explained that Russia has many advantages; however, they have not been victorious, and Ukraine is still holding its own. He credited the Ukrainian victories in part to the help from the United States. He explained that the help from the United States has been crucial to their success, but that even more will be needed. Zaylenskey also commented on the morale of his country during these treacherous times. He went on to outline that the Ukrainian people would soon be celebrating Christmas, and that even if they were to celebrate by candlelight, they would not lose hope in their country and troops. He then referenced a famous FDR quote saying, “[t]he American people, in their righteous might, will win through – to absolute victory.” Zylensky believed and continues to believe that the Ukrainian people will too.
He ended his speech in a heart-wrenching way. Zelenskey presented the Vice President and the Speaker of the House with a Ukrainian flag on which were scribed signatures from soldiers at the front line of Bakhmut. This act moved many people within the two houses of congress. Pelosi and Harris held the flag in an emotional display of support, and a standing ovation and cheers could be heard ringing from all corners of the congressional chamber. In return, Zelenkey was presented with a folded encased American Flag that had been flying above congress the day that Zeleenskey arrived in the U.S.
Throughout history, many world leaders have arrived in DC and spoken at joint congressional sessions. However, this has been one of the most significant addresses from a foreign leader since Winston Churchill’s address to congress in 1941 amid WWII. There are numerous parallels between Zeleneskey’s visit and Churchill’s. Both were wartime speeches and both occurred during a time of extremely polarized politics in our country. The intensification of the relationship between the United States and Europe after the address from Churchill, and there has been speculation that relations between the United States and Ukraine can mirror that of the United States and Western Europe in the 1940s as there will most likely be stronger social and economic relations between the two countries throughout future decades.
The implication of this visit in terms of an alliance and/or increased support between America and Ukraine is massive. The future between Ukraine and Russia is unknown; however, with an alliance between the U.S. and Ukraine, there is hope for Ukraine to prevail through the war and come out stronger than before.
References
Cable News Network. (2022, December 22). Read: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks to Congress | CNN politics. CNN. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/22/politics/zelensky-congress-address-transcript/index.html
Cable News Network. (2022, December 22). Watch Volodymyr Zelensky’s full speech to US congress. CNN. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2022/12/22/zelensky-us-congress-speech-full-sot-vpx.cnn
Chamlee, V. (2022, December 22). Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s military attire at the White House draws comparisons to Winston Churchill. Peoplemag. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://people.com/politics/volodymr-zelenskyy-military-outfit-white-house-similar-winston-churchill/
Creator. (n.d.). Volodymyr Zelensky’s biography – official web site of the president of Ukraine. Official website of the President of Ukraine. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.president.gov.ua/en/president/biografiya
Schnell, M. (2022, December 22). Five biggest moments from Zelensky’s address to Congress. The Hill. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://thehill.com/policy/international/3784579-five-biggest-moments-from-zelenskys-address-to-congress/
Tobias, B. (2022, December 23). How did president Zelensky get to Washington? BBC News. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64065527