Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) a Ukrainian flag bearing the signatures of soldiers on the battlefield Wednesday evening.
Zelensky said soldiers in Bakhmut asked that he give the flag to Congress and handed it over to her along with a kiss on the cheek during his address to the joint session. Pelosi was then seen holding up the flag alongside Vice President Kamala Harris.
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Zelensky gives Nancy Pelosi a Ukrainian flag and a big kiss on the cheek pic.twitter.com/mutaCY5HvT
— John Hudson (@John_Hudson) December 22, 2022
“I know that everything depends on us — on Ukrainian armed forces — yet so much depends on the world. So much in the world depends on you,” Zelensky declared during his address. “Our heroes gave me the flag, the battle flag, the flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe, and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to you, to the U.S. Congress.”
Pelosi returned the favor by giving him a U.S. flag to honor his visit.
“This flag was flown over the Capitol today in honor of the president’s visit,” Pelosi explained.
Pelosi gives U.S. flag to Zelensky https://t.co/6kTBCromGL pic.twitter.com/rcL0UpzkwK
— The Hill (@thehill) December 22, 2022
On Tuesday, Zelensky visited the front-line city of Bakhmut to meet with troops who have been embroiled in a monthslong conflict with Russian forces. They have managed to largely hold back a Russian advancement in the critical city, which is located in the eastern Donetsk region, home to Ukrainian separatists and recognized as a sovereign state by Russia.
Zelensky’s address to the joint session of Congress comes as members consider a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill featuring $45 billion in additional assistance to Ukraine. President Joe Biden publicly committed to sending additional weaponry, such as long-range missiles, earlier in the day.
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“This battle will decide in what world our children and grandchildren will live,” Zelensky further proclaimed during his address.
Parts of Zelensky’s address were interrupted with cheers from attendees. Should Congress approve the additional $45 billion, the total price tag for aid will reach about $100 billion since the war broke out in February.
