Ukraines Zelensky to address US Congress virtually amid Russian attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will deliver a virtual speech to the US Congress on Wednesday at 9 am ET, according to a letter addressed to House and Senate members by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

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“The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine, who have shown extraordinary courage, resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, vicious, and illegal war,” the statement said.

The statement added, “The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression, and to passing legislation to cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine.  We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelensky’s address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy.”

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According to CNN, Zelensky pressed US President Joe Biden during their latest call for more sanctions to further pinch Russia.

According to various sources acquainted with the call, Zelensky particularly requested Biden for additional steps to isolate Russia from world trade and to continue targeting the Russian elite, as the US has added more oligarchs and their families to its sanctions list, according to the report.

During the call, Zelensky also discussed restricting Russia’s access to international waterways.

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On Friday, Zelensky and Biden spoke for 49 minutes.

During the lengthy chat, Biden discussed the latest moves he was about to take, including a move to terminate Russia’s preferential trading status with the US.

Zelensky thanked Biden for the initiatives, but urged him to keep putting economic pressure on the Kremlin.