Zelenskyy says U.S. aid to Ukraine ‘not charity,’ but an investment in democracy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in U.S. Congress

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, argued before the U.S. Congress that help to his nation was “not charity” but rather an investment in democracy as he pressed for additional financial support for the fight against Russia.

Zelenskyy’s remarks on Wednesday came as Republicans are preparing to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives from Democrats on January 3. Some Republicans have shown growing skepticism about delivering so much money to Ukraine.

Republicans have even called for a stop to aid and an audit to determine how the funds granted have been used.

“Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelenskyy told a joint meeting of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, speaking in English.

Zelenskyy argued for bipartisan support by saying the world was too interconnected for any country to remain neutral and feel secure.

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Another $1.85 billion in military supplies from the United States was announced, including a Patriot air defense system to help Ukraine fend off Russian missile barrages.

The Patriot system, according to Zelenskyy, was a crucial development in building an air shield.

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