Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his historic visit to the United States, thanked “every American” for their support of Ukraine. Zelensky delivered an address to Congress Wednesday thanking the country’s bipartisan support as they fought Russia.

Zelenskyy presented Congress with a battle flag signed from the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s contested Donetsk province. He said  he was asked to deliver the flag on behalf of “those who defend Ukraine, Europe, and the world.”

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi then presented Zelensky with an American flag that had flown over the US Capitol Building on the day of his visit.

In his address to Congress, Zelensky urged the members to strengthen sanctions against Russia and “let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression.”

“We need peace. Yes. Ukraine has already offered proposals, which I just discussed with President Biden, our peace formula — 10 points which should and must be implemented for our joint security… and the summit which can be held. I am glad to share that President Biden supported our peace initiative today. Each of you, ladies and gentlemen, can assist in the implementation to ensure that Americans leadership remains solid, bicameral. and bipartisan,” Zelensky said.

He also said that Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the war that has been ongoing since February, telling Congress: “Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out.”

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Just like the “brave American soldiers which held their lines” and fought against Hitler’s Nazi Germany in 1944, Ukrainian soldiers “are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky’s trip to the US is his first travel outside Ukraine since February’s Russian invasion. It came after US lawmakers agreed to give the war-torn country additional assistance.