December 21, 2022 Russia-Ukraine and Zelensky news

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he thought Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech was "good," but that he wants to make sure there's "accountability" for any aid the US gives Ukraine.

When asked what he discussed with Zelensky before the speech McCarthy said, “we've talked about where the war is at, what do we need to be able to win?”

McCarthy’s comments come as certain Republicans have pushed back on providing more aid to Ukraine. 

Some context: In his speech, Zelensky called on lawmakers for their continued support, but argued that aid given to Ukraine comes down to protecting democracy.

"Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelensky said in his address.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech came "at the right time" as senators are trying to pass a government funding bill with billions in critical additional aid to Ukraine. 

On what he thinks this means for passage of the government funding tonight, Schumer said: "I hope it will shake some people... I hope people realize how important passing this package is. When I was with him privately I asked with the four leaders sitting there, I said, 'What does it mean if we don't pass this package' He says ... 'If we don't pass this kind of aid,' he says, 'it would mean we'd lose the war.'"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invoked the Battles of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolutionary War, in his speech to Congress Wednesday evening.

The Battles of Saratoga in 1777 marked the climax of a military campaign in Saratoga, New York, giving a decisive victory to the Americans over the British in the American Revolutionary War.

The victory marked a historical pivot in the war, fueling morale for American soldiers and persuading foreign powers to align with the colonists against the British.

Watch the moment:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Congress with a flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers as a gift to say thank you for the weapons that had been sent.

The flag was given to Zelensky on Tuesday in the frontline city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.

"This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are united. Ukraine, America, and the entire free world," Zelensky said.

In return, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Zelensky a folded US flag that had flown over the Capitol building on Wednesday.

Members of Congress gave Zelensky a standing ovation and applauded the exchange.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged members of the US Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia and "let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression."

In his address, Zelensky noted that US President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan, but added that each member of Congress can assist in the implementation.

"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.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the atrocities of the war, telling Congress: "Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out."

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 to applause.

"All of us, millions of Ukrainians, wish the same. Victory. Only victory," Zelensky said.

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More than 300 days into the war, soldiers in Ukraine are defending their country, but they need more weapons to win on the battlefield, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Congress.

“Here, the front line, the tyranny — which has no lack of cruelty against the lives of free people — and your support is crucial not just to stand in such fight but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield,” he said.

Zelensky said Ukraine is fighting for its “independence and freedom” but called for the United States' continued support to achieve those goals.

Ukraine's president tried to make the case that although aid benefits Ukraine — it is also in the interest of the United States and other Western allies.

“Iranian deadly drones sent to Russia in hundreds and hundreds became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time when they will strike against your other allies if we do not stop them now. We must do it," he said.

“Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender,” Zelensky added.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a message of hope for the Ukrainian people during his address to Congress Wednesday, saying the Russians "use everything" against cities such as Bakhmut but Ukraine "holds its lines and will never surrender."

The Russians "have been taking (the city of 70,000 people day and night, but Bakhmut stands," Zelensky said to roaring applause.

"Russians use everything, everything they have against Bakhmut and other of our beautiful cities, the occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery. They have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had. It's true. But our defense forces stand," he said.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the world is too interconnected to ignore Russia's war in Ukraine during his address to Congress.

He also highlighted the shared values of the United States and Ukraine.

"Our two nations are allies in this battle. And next year will be a turning point, I know it, the point when Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom. The freedom of people who stand for their values," he said.