Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Republicans sit defiantly while those around them cheer — as Ukraine wants to keep aid | US News

War figures walked into a well-dressed and well-dressed conference hall of American politicians.

Dressed in khaki, with a polite and tired face, Volodymyr Zelensky To be flattered by a man who fights like his own.

That, of course, was the key message he brought into the House chamber, a call from the heart of the fight that conveyed the reality of his country’s suffering.

That earned him repeated standing ovations — not everyone, however.

Cameras caught Republican representatives sitting defiantly while those around them stood and cheered. The photo expresses skepticism about continued aid to Ukraine.

Their guests knew – so he felt compelled to emphasize that in an interconnected world, tyranny will not stop in Ukraine.

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Standing applause for Zelensky

He said U.S. support was not charity but investment.

He can only hope Republicans carry that message into the new year when they take control of the House.

His views were certainly shared by the vast majority of his hosts and, no doubt, the accompanying text.

Hours before President Zelensky addressed a joint session of Congress, Nancy Pelosi wrote a letter to colleagues.

The outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives wrote of an occasion that was “full of meaning” to her, since Winston Churchill, speaking to a joint session of Congress in 1941 during World War II, said: Her father was a member of the House of Representatives.

Two wartime leaders address Congress in wartime – the comparison is made to deepen the point.

US President Joe Biden also echoed warnings about the conflict and its aftermath.

During the pair’s White House meeting, the new friends acted like old friends.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens to President Joe Biden during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12.  21, 2022.  (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

It’s a relationship cemented by shared interests, and the joint press conference exudes chemistry and a sense of humor.

They are united by a common struggle – the war in Ukraine/the US proxy war.

Mr Biden’s commitment to Patriot missiles is a considered call, an escalation of US involvement, but it will not change US rules of engagement.

He would have liked to hear Mr. Zelensky say what he needs are American weapons, not American personnel to operate them.

If President Biden wants to stay in office through the 2024 election — a decision he is expected to make early next year — the way the conflict in Ukraine develops will determine his chances, if not his overall presidency.

Of course, America’s support is motivated by a moral obligation to support Ukraine and its people. Then there is the little matter of geopolitical dividends – Russia weakened, America strengthened.

Russia, weakened by the U.S.-led strategy, is a further strengthening of U.S. power.

The visit landed Volodymyr Zelenskyy in prime time, but he wasn’t the only one involved.

The same goes for the politics of war.

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