President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the US Congress. He has traditionally called for closing the sky over Ukraine for enemy aircrafts and initiated the creation of an international association that would promptly assist countries in conflicts and various disasters.
At the beginning of his speech, the President said that he was addressing American friends from Kyiv, a city that was suffering from missile and air strikes. But it would not give up.
"And it never thought to give up! Like dozens of other cities and communities of our state, which found themselves in the worst war since World War II. I am honored to greet you on behalf of the Ukrainian people, brave and freedom-loving people, who endured eight years of resistance against Russian aggression ", - he emphasized.
Zelensky stated that the fate of our state and our people was being decided now. It was being decided whether Ukrainians would be free. Would democracy be preserved?
Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities. It went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values, It set tanks and planes against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Americans! In your glorious history you have pages that will allow you to understand Ukrainians. Understand us now, when we need it the most. Remember Pearl Harbor, the terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you. Just remember it. Remember September 11th, a terrible day in 2001 when evil tried to turn your cities, independent territories, into battlefields. When innocent people were attacked, attacked from air. As no one expected. Just like nobody else expected it, you could not stop it. Our country is experiencing the same every day. Every night! For three weeks!" – he emphasized.
Zelensky said that Russia had turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death for thousands of people. Russian troops have already fired nearly a thousand missiles at Ukraine. Countless bombs. They use drones to kill more.
"And we are asking for an answer. For an answer from the world. For an answer to terror. Is this too much of a request? To create a no-fly zone over Ukraine, to save people, is this too much to ask? Humanitarian, no-fly zone. Something that Russia would not be able to [use to] terrorize our free cities. If this is too much to ask, we offer an alternative. You know what kind of defense systems we need, as 300 and similar other systems," - he said.
Zelenskyy added that there are planes that can help Ukraine and the whole of Europe. But they are on land, not in the sky. They do not protect.
“'I have a dream,' — these words are known to each of you. Today, I can say, I have a need. I need to protect our sky. I need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same you feel when you hear the words 'I have a dream,’” - he emphasized.
The President thanked the United States for its significant support, weapons, ammunition, finances, and training.
"In the darkest time for our country, for the whole Europe, I call on you to do more. New packages of sanctions are needed, constantly, every week until the Russian military machine stops. Restrictions are needed for everyone on whom this unjust regime is based. We offer the United States to include in sanction lists all politicians in the Russian Federation who remain in office and do not sever ties with those responsible for the aggression against Ukraine. From the State Duma deputies to the last official who lacks the morale to break with the state terror, " called the President.
He believes that all American companies should leave Russia. Leave this market flooded with our blood.
“Ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress, please take the lead, if you have companies in your districts who finance the Russian military machine leaving business in Russia, you should put pressure on them. I'm asking to make sure that the Russians do not receive a single penny that they use to destroy people in Ukraine. To destroy Europe. All American ports must be closed to Russian goods and ships. Peace is more important than profit. And together we must defend this principle around the world," he said.
Zelensky also proposed the creation of a new association - U-24. United for peace. A union of responsible states that have the strength and consciousness to stop conflicts, iImmediately.
"In 24 hours, provide all the necessary assistance. If necessary - weapons. If necessary - sanctions. Humanitarian support. Political support. Finance. Everything you need to save the peace. To save lives. In addition, such an association could provide assistance to those who are experiencing natural disasters, man-made disasters. Those who have fallen victim to a humanitarian crisis or epidemic, "said the President of Ukraine.
As reported earlier, Ukraine has asked to close the sky from the first day of war. Russia continues to drop bombs and launch cruise missiles on civilians. The West has not yet made a decision, saying that the involvement of foreign pilots in the downing of Russian aircrafts will mean the entry of other countries into the war with Russia.
Ukraine has found its own missile defenses and is ready to pay its last money for it, but the West has still not made a decision. Ukrainian authorities have found pilots for all unmanned aircrafts, and found aircrafts for all available Ukrainian pilots.