Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has emerged as a kind of folk hero since the Russian invasion of Ukraine commenced in earnest in February of 2022, but his recent trip to the U.S. and appearance before Congress on Wednesday was less symbolic than practical: a reminder of the very real and life-endangering circumstances that he and his fellow Ukrainians are facing on the ground. Zelensky’s trademark humility and humor was in evidence, but these attributes did not lessen the severity of his message during his first trip abroad since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Below, find the key moments of Zelensky’s visit to Washington:
He wore army green instead of a suit
One might expect a visiting foreign leader to wear their best suit to one of D.C.’s highest halls of power, but that wasn’t the case with Zelensky, who arrived in front of Congress in his typical wartime attire of an olive-green sweater and cargo pants.
He participated in a flag exchange
Zelensky gave House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers on the front lines, which was unfurled behind him for the remainder of his address to Congress. In turn, Pelosi and Harris presented Zelensky with the the American flag that had flown over the Capitol on Wednesday.
He reminded Congress that aid to Ukraine “is not charity”
“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelensky told Congress of the billions of dollars’ worth of aid they have voted to provide so far, prompting a multiple-minute standing ovation. Congress has broadly supported providing aid to Ukraine, but additional funds—almost $50 billion included in an omnibus spending bill—have been stalled in Congress.
He was honest about just how far Congress’s aid is going
“Is it enough? Honestly, not really,” Zelensky said of the weapons and ammunition that the U.S. has already provided to Ukraine in its effort to fight against Russia, prompting nervous laughter from Congress. However, given the size and might of Russia’s army, it was meaningful for Zelensky to remind his audience—particularly those of us who are relatively sheltered from on-the-ground conditions of Ukraine—just how much of an uphill battle his soldiers are facing.
He provided a note of optimism in dark times
While Zelensky’s overarching message was dire, he insisted that “Ukraine is alive and kicking,” and even his parting words felt like a rallying call to action: “We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are united—Ukraine, America and the entire free world.”
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