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The Ukrainian leader has called on allies to provide greater support in the face of the Russian invasion and will give remarks to Congress on Wednesday.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine will give a virtual address to the United States Congress on Wednesday, following similar public remarks to the European Parliament and the United Kingdom’s House of Commons.
The Ukrainian leader has become the public face of the crisis in Eastern Europe and has repeatedly called on global powers to offer more support in the face of the Russian invasion.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed Zelenskyy’s address in a joint letter to both Houses of Congress on Monday. They reiterated the US’ “commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin's cruel and diabolical aggression.”
They wrote: "As war rages on in Ukraine, it is with great respect and admiration for the Ukrainian people that we invite all Members of the House and Senate to attend a Virtual Address to the United States Congress delivered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on Wednesday, March 16th at 9:00 a.m."
The address will be streamed lived online on Congressional YouTube and Twitter channels. Zelenskyy’s remarks will also be shown live on most major news network.
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Congress pushes for more support for Ukraine
Earlier this month Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament, calling on foreign powers to offer greater assistance to help support Ukraine’s defence of its territory and is expected to follow a similar line when speaking at Congress on Wednesday.
He said: “Without you, Ukraine is going to be lonely, lonesome. We have proven our strength. We have proven that at a minimum, we are exactly the same as you are. So do prove that you are with us.”
American lawmakers are already looking to provide greater support for Ukraine and last week passed a $14 billion package, which includes funding for equipment, troops, humanitarian aid, infrastructure support and to help combat pro-Kremlin disinformation.
A group of more than 40 Republicans and some Democrats in the Senate have called on the White House to authorise the transfer of Soviet-era fighter planes from Poland.
US officials had previously ruled out allowing Poland to donate Soviet-era MiG 29 aircraft to Ukraine via an American air base in Germany, warning that it could heighten the risk of direct military conflict.
However senators who had signed the letter, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell argue that the US’ military response to the crisis has not been strong enough.
“We urge your administration to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of urgently-needed airpower, air defense systems and other combat and support capabilities from the United States, NATO allies, and other European partners to Ukraine," the letter read.