Ukraine Russia breaking news today: Zelensky addresses Congress as Putin pledges unlimited funds to Russian army

The Senate inched closer to passing a $1.7 trillion government funding bill Wednesday with supporters pointing to a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the evening as another reason to advance the measure in a show of support for the beleaguered nation.

The measure includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies, above even President Joe Biden’s emergency request, and ensures that funding flows to the war effort for months to come. The measure would also boost U.S. defense spending by about 10% to $858 billion, addressing concerns from some lawmakers that more investment in the nation’s military is needed to ensure America’s security.

The Senate could approve the bill as soon as Wednesday. The House will then have to take it up and pass the measure before midnight Friday to avoid a partial-government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took to the floor Wednesday urging colleagues to vote for the measure, though they emphasized different priorities.

Kevin Freking has the details.

Ukraine’s president delivered a stirring address conveying gratitude to Americans and asking for their support ahead of what he depicted as an especially brutal winter during his address to Congress Wednesay evening.

Volodymyr Zelensky spoke for roughly a half hour, with his remarks punctuated by several breaks for standing ovations and supportive interjections from the lawmakers assembled for his remarks.

At one particularly moving point of his address, the Ukrainian president likened the struggle of his countrymen to the vicious fighting that American troops experienced in western Europe near the end of the second World War, as German forces mounted a last-ditch offensive that came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge.

“They burn down and destroy everything they see,” he said of advancing Russian forces. “They threw everything against us, similar to the other tyranny which is in the Battle of the Bulge.”

John Bowden has the details from Washington.

American lawmakers weren’t the only ones moved by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to Congress.

During the leader’s remarks this evening, the Ukrainian delegation who traveled with him could been seen shouting, “God bless America!”

Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert were seen on the first floor of the Capitol building walking down a hallway outside of the House floor when they veered right towards the chamber. Before they were able to reach the door, two US Capitol Police officers in suits stopped the pair, addressing Mr Gaetz by name, and informed them that they needed to go through a security screening before entering, gesturing to a nearby metal detector.

The Florida congressman was heard briefly questioning the officer’s direction, before turning away.

“Mr Gaetz? Mr Gaetz?!” the officer said as the pair breezed past them and entered the chamber without further incident.

John Bowden has the full story.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is invoking some of America’s crowning moments on the battlefield as he tries to secure continued congressional support for his country in its own war against Russia, mentioning WWII’s Battle of the Bulge as well as the US Revolutionary War against Great Britain.

“We Ukrainians will also go through our war of independence with dignity and success,” Mr Zelensky said. “We’ll celebrate Christmas even if there is no electricity. Our delight in our faith, in ourselves, will not be put out. If Russian missiles attack us, we’ll do our best to protect ourselves.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked by a reported from his own country about what a “just peace” with Russia would look like, and offered a philosophical answer.

Speaking alongside President Joe Biden in his first appearance with a world leader outside of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began, Mr Zelensky pontificated on what that phrase meant and whether reaching such a peaceful end to the war was even possible in its current state.

He firstly described his own definition of such a resolution: “[N]o compromise as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country”, as well as reparations for the damages inflicted by Russian forces during their invasion. Presumably, this would mean the end of Russian occupation in breakaway regions annexed by Moscow after the conflict began in 2014.

But Mr Zelensky went on to say that for many parents of those killed by Russian forces in the brutal war, a “just peace” would mean seeking vengeance for the deaths of their loved ones.

John Bowden has the full story from Washington.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is offering a rousing speech before a joint session of Congress.

“Ukraine is alive and kicking,” he said in his opening lines, as lawmakers from both parties showered him in applause.

He painted a picture of a Ukraine that hasn’t bowed to Russian pressure, and a world united against Vladimir Putin’s “tyranny.”

“We defeated Russia in the battle for the minds of the world. We have no fear,” the Ukrainian leader said. “The Russian tyranny has lost control over us. It will never influence our minds again.”

Mr Zelensky said 2023 will be a turning point in the war against Russia.

“I know it, the point when Ukrainian courage, and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was showered with applause as he entered Congress for a historic address before a joint session. “It is too much for me,” he said with a smile to begin his remarks.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is moments away from addressing a historic joint session of Congress.

Watch his full remarks live, via Independent TV.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to address lawmakers in Congress momentarily.

Stick with The Independent for the latest news on his high-profile visit to Washington, his first international visit since the outbreak of the Russian invasion.