Madam Vice President, thank you for your efforts to help Ukraine. Madam Speaker, during the total war, you bravely visited Ukraine. Thank you very much. It's an honor. Thank you.
I am honored to stand here, dear members of parliament, members of the two parties who have visited Kiev, and distinguished senators and representatives who I am sure will visit Ukraine soon; Dear representatives of expatriates, whether you are in the Congress Hall or in other places all over the United States; Dear journalists, it is an honor to address you and all the American people in the US Congress.
In the face of all difficulties and bad luck, Ukraine has not fallen. Ukraine is full of vigor and vitality now. Thank you. This gives me a good reason to share our first victory with you. We defeated Russia in the battle to win people's hearts. We have no fear, and no one in this world should have fear. The Ukrainian people won this victory, which gave us the courage to inspire the whole world.
The American people won this victory, which is why you have successfully joined forces with the international community to protect freedom and international law. The European people won this victory, which is why Europe is stronger and more independent than before. Russia's tyranny has lost control of us, and they will never affect our will in the slightest.
However, we must still make every effort to ensure that the third world countries also win this victory. I also know one thing that I think is very important: only when the Russian people defeat the Kremlin in their hearts will they have a chance to be free. However, the war has to continue. Yes, we must defeat the Kremlin on the battlefield.
This battle is not only for the territory, not only for Europe, not only for the life, freedom and security of the Ukrainian people, but also for other countries threatened by Russia. This battle will determine what kind of world our children and grandchildren live in and what kind of world their children and grandchildren live in.
This will determine whether there will be democracy in Ukraine in the future, for Americans and for everyone. This battle cannot be frozen, delayed or ignored. You can't imagine that the ocean or anything else can provide
Safe. From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, from Africa to Australia, the world is so closely linked and interdependent that no one can feel safe while the battle continues.
Our two countries are allies in this battle, and next year will be a turning point. I know that the courage of Ukrainians and the determination of Americans will ensure that we have a free future and the freedom of people who defend their values.
Ladies and gentlemen, the American people, yesterday, before I came here, I went to the front line of Bachmut in Donbass, which is our stronghold in the east. Russian troops and mercenaries have been attacking Bakhmut continuously since May. They have been working around the clock. However, Bachmut still stands.
Last year, 70,000 people lived in Bakhmut, but now, only a few civilians remain there. Every inch of land there is soaked with blood, and guns can be heard all the time. In fierce battles, even hand-to-hand combat, trenches in Donbass can change hands several times a day. But Donbass in Ukraine still stands.
The Russians used everything they had to attack Bachmut and the others in this this beautiful city. The occupier has obvious advantages in artillery and ammunition. The fact is that they have more planes and missiles than we have ever had before. But our army is still standing. We are all proud of them.
Russian tactics are primitive. They burned and destroyed everything they saw. They sent thugs to the front and criminals to the battlefield. They do whatever it takes, just like other tyrants. In the battle of the bulge, facing the free world, the Nazis did whatever it took. Just as brave American soldiers stood their ground and fought back against Hitler's army during Christmas 1944, so brave Ukrainian soldiers did the same thing this Christmas.
Ukraine has defended the front line and will never surrender. On the front line, tyranny is cruel to the life of free people. Your support is crucial, not only to persist in this battle, but also to reach a turning point in winning the war.
Yes, we have cannons. Thank you, we do. But is that enough? Honestly, it's not enough. We need more artillery and ammunition to ensure that Bakhmut is not only a stronghold against Russian troops, but also a stronghold for all Russian troops to retreat. If so, just like Saratoga, the situation in Bakhmut will also be a turning point in our struggle for independence and freedom. (Global Note: Saratoga was a turning point in the American War of Independence).
If your Patriot missile system can stop Russian terrorist attacks on our city, then Ukrainian patriots will do their best to defend our freedom. When Russian artillery couldn't attack our city, it tried to destroy it with missiles. In addition, in this policy of extinction, Russia found an ally: Iran. Iran sent hundreds of deadly drones to Russia. These drones pose a threat to our critical infrastructure.
If we don't stop them now, it's only a matter of time before they attack your other allies. We must stop them. I believe there should be no taboos in our alliance. Ukraine has never asked American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers will operate American tanks and planes perfectly.
Financial assistance is also crucial. I want to thank you, thank you very much, for the financial assistance you have provided us and the assistance you are willing to provide. The money you gave us is not charity, but an investment in global security and democracy. We treat this money in the most responsible way.
Russia can stop its aggression, really, if it wants to. But you can accelerate our victory. I know. This will also prove to all potential invaders that no one can successfully destroy international borders, commit atrocities and rule against the will of the people. It is naive to wait for Russia to move towards peace. Russia has been poisoned by the Kremlin.
Rebuilding the international legal order is our common task. Yes, we need peace. Ukraine put forward our peace framework, and I also discussed it with President Biden. There is 10 to give us the * * * and security summit in the next few decades, which should and must be done.
I am pleased to say that President Biden supports the peace initiative we put forward today. Ladies and gentlemen, everyone from the two parties and the two houses can help us finish it to ensure the firm leadership of the United States. Thank you.
You can strengthen sanctions and make Russia feel how devastating its aggression is. Really, it's your right to help us bring all those who started this unprovoked criminal war to justice. Let's do this, let the terrorist countries be responsible for their acts of terror and aggression, and let them compensate for the losses caused by this war. Let the world see that America is here.
Ladies and gentlemen, American people, in two days, we will celebrate Christmas, perhaps by candlelight. Not because of romance, but because we have no electricity. Millions of people will have neither heating nor running water. All these will be the consequences of Russian missiles and drones attacking our energy infrastructure.
But we won't complain, and we won't judge and compare whose life is easier. Your happiness is the product of your national security, your struggle for independence and many victories. We Ukrainian people will also spend our war for independence and freedom with dignity and victory.
We will celebrate Christmas. Even without electricity, the light of our faith will not go out. If Russian missiles attack us, we will try our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian-made drones, our people will have to hide in the bomb shelter on Christmas Eve. Ukrainian people will still sit together and celebrate each other's festivals. We don't know and don't need to know everyone's wishes, because everyone already knows. Millions of Ukrainians have the same wish: victory, only victory.
Together with you, we have built a strong Ukraine with a strong people, a strong army and strong institutions. Together with you, we have established a strong security guarantee not only for our country, but also for Europe and the whole world. Similarly, together with you, we will let everyone who despises freedom settle down. (Global Note: Zelensky used a homophonic stalk, and Putin put it here)
This will be the basis for defending democracy in Europe and the world. Now, at this important Christmas moment, I want to thank all of you. I thank every American family who wants to convey warmth; I thank President Biden and members of both parties, the Senate and the House of Representatives for your valuable help. Thank you for your city and citizens' support to Ukraine this year, for receiving the Ukrainian people and for waving our national flag. Their actions helped us. On behalf of everyone on the front line and everyone waiting for victory, I thank you.
Standing here today, I recall President franklin roosevelt's war, and I think this moment is just the right time. The American people won an absolute victory by virtue of the power of justice. The Ukrainian people will win like that, absolutely.
I know that everything depends on ourselves and the Ukrainian army, but we also depend on the world. There are many things in this world that depend on you. When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our hero gave me a national flag, a flag for fighting, and a flag for defending Ukraine, Europe and the world with his life. They asked me to bring this flag to you, to the U.S. Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and their decisions could save millions of lives.
So, make a decision and let this flag accompany you. Ladies and gentlemen, this flag symbolizes our victory in this war. We stand up, we fight, and we will win, because we-Ukraine, the United States and the whole free world-are United.
One more thing, if possible, this is the last thing, thank you. May God bless our brave troops and citizens, and may God bless the United States of America forever. Merry Christmas and a happy and successful New Year. Glory belongs to Ukraine!