During a virtual address to Congress on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invoked both the Pearl Harbor and 9/11 attacks while saying he was “grateful” for President Joe Biden for his ongoing support amid Russia’s invasion.
As seen around the 1:54:01 mark in the ABC News-archived livestream below, Zelensky first referenced the Mount Rushmore National Memorial before comparing the perceived idea of American democracy with the desires of the Ukrainian people.
“Like anyone else in the United States, I remember your national memorial in Rushmore, the faces of your prominent presidents, those who laid the foundation of the United States of America as it is today,” he said via a translator. “Democracy, independence, freedom, and care for everyone, for every person, for everyone who works diligently, who lives honestly, who respects the law. We in Ukraine want the same for our people.”
From there, Zelensky invoked the aforementioned tragedies, using them to make a point about the current conditions in Ukraine.
“Americans, in your great history you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukraine and understand us now. … Remember Pearl Harbor, the terrible morning of December 7, 1941 when your sky was black from the planes attacking you. Just remember it,” he said. “Remember September 11th, a terrible day in 2001 when evil tried to turn your cities … into battlefields, when innocent people were attacked. Attacked from [the] air, yes. … Our country experiences the same every day.”
Also on Wednesday, the White House confirmed that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently had a discussion with General Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, during which he’s said to have restated the U.S.’s “clear opposition” to the invasion.
According to a media release, Sullivan urged the consideration of ceasing attacks in Ukrainian cities and towns and shared a warning with Patrushev regarding the consequences that could be brought on should chemical or biological weapons be used.
Zelensky’s latest address, per a report from the Associated Press, was intended to serve as a platform from which the Ukrainian president could share requests for additional aid. During his speech, Zelensky shared footage of the damage brought on by the war, urging U.S. lawmakers to “do more” moving forward. “We need you right now,” he said. Zelensky once again pushed for a no-fly zone over Ukrainian air, and asked the U.S. for fighter jets. For now, Biden seems unwilling to commit to either.
Upon the conclusion of Zelensky’s comments, lawmakers in the Capitol complex auditorium gave a standing ovation. The same also took place during a recent address from Zelensky to Canada’s parliament, as seen below.
