Currents News Staff
President Joe Biden responded to a direct appeal from Ukraine.
“The American people are answering Zelensky’s call for more help,” said Joe Biden.
In impassioned virtual remarks before a joint session of Congress, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Biden for U.S. help so far, but asked for more.
“I wish you to be the leader of the world,” said Zelensky. “Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace.”
Many lawmakers were visibly moved by Zelensky’s speech and references to America’s darkest days, struck a chord.
“In one sense, his speech was reminiscent of the stirring feeling all of us had in the aftermath of 9/11,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer.
President Biden signed off an additional $800 million dollars in security assistance to Ukraine including anti-tank missiles and more defensive weapons. But among many lawmakers and at the White House, there is opposition to Zelensky’s request for a no-fly zone over his country, fearing it could lead to direct conflict with Moscow.
Lawmakers are considering other options.
“There is bipartisan support for sending a package that includes fighter jets and air defense systems to the Ukraine immediately so that we can have a Ukrainian no-fly zone manned by Ukrainian pilots,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The aid announced on Wednesday brings the U.S. total of assistance to $1 billion dollars.