Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke before the US Congress via video link on Wednesday, renewing his push for the imposition of a no-fly zone over the country amid Russia’s military offensive.
Zelensky delivered an emotional address, invoking some disastrous incidents in US history, including the Pearl Harbor attack and 9/11. His calls for a no-fly zone idea, however, have been repeatedly rejected earlier over fears that such a move would lead to a direct conflict between Moscow and the US-led NATO.
The Ukrainian leader was introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), who said Congress has “great respect and admiration” for him. Pelosi concluded the introduction with “Glory to Ukraine!” a slogan commonly used by hardline Ukrainian nationalists, with Zelensky replying “Glory to heroes!”
“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,” Zelensky told Congress, urging lawmakers to supply Kiev with anti-aircraft weaponry should they be unable to impose a no-fly zone.