'Against all odds': Standing ovation as President Zelenskyy addresses US Congress; Biden praises Ukraine for 'unbreakable determination'

Ukraine ‘alive and kicking’ despite Russian invasion, Zelenskyy tells US Congress

Ukraine is “alive and kicking” despite Russia’s invasion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in a speech to the US Congress.

The Ukrainian president was greeted with a lengthy standing ovation as he entered the chamber.

“It is a great honour for me to be at the US Congress and
speak to you and all Americans,” he said.

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

“We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the
world.”

Three members held a large Ukrainian flag during the standing ovation.

Mr Zelenskyy went on to say US aid is not charity, but an investment in global security.

He pledged there would be “no compromises” in trying to bring an end to the war and vowed that Ukraine “will never surrender”.

He said the conflict showed how democracy worldwide was being tested and its outcome would shape the world for generations.

“This struggle will define in what world our children and
grandchildren will live and then their children and
grandchildren,” he said.

“This battle cannot be ignored, hoping that the ocean or something else will provide protection.

“The world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow
someone to stay aside and at the same time to feel safe when
such a battle continues.”

He then presented a flag given to him by the defenders of the frontline city of Bakhmut, which he visited on Tuesday.