WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrapped up his visit to Washington with an impassioned speech before a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, saying Ukraine’s struggle “will define in what world our children and grandchildren will live.”

“Against all odds, and doom and gloom scenarios,” he began, “Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

He thanked the U.S. for its military equipment and its financial support.

“Your money is not charity,” he assured Congress. “It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”

He ended by presenting to the Congress a battle flag given to him by the Ukrainian defenders of Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine where his forces have been engaged for months in heavy fighting. In return, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave him a U.S. flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House, his first known visit outside Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion of the country in February.

The American people “have stood proudly” with Ukrainians, Biden said.

“Democrats and Republicans together with our allies in Europe and Japan and other places, to make sure you have the financial, humanitarian and security assistance that is needed,” he added, noting that it has been 300 days since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his “brutal assault on Ukraine’s right to exist as a nation.”

Zelenskyy, who spoke in English, extended to Biden his appreciation for the bipartisan support “from my heart, the hearts of Ukrainians, all Ukrainians.”

“Thanks, from our just ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans,” he said.

Zelenskyy also gave Biden a Cross for Military Merit medal that belonged to a Ukrainian soldier, a captain of a HIMARS battery provided by the U.S. The soldier had asked Zelenskyy to give it to the “very brave president.” Accepting the medal, Biden said it was “undeserved, but much appreciated.”

(VOA)