Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night was a political triumph. It was easily the most impressive speech given to Congress and the American public in years. And it was persuasive, if the audience’s repeated ovations are any indication.
Zelensky’s goal was obvious. In thanking the Congress and the Biden administration, he hoped not only to show his nation’s gratitude but to ensure continued American support for Ukraine’s fight with Russia. The subtext was that, ideally, America and its Nato partners would do more than continue the current flow of weapons and ammunition. They would increase them and include more advanced weapons.
But Zelensky wisely put those requests on the back-burner. Far better to make them only in private meetings, like the one he had earlier with President Biden. In his public speech, he focused on his country’s determination to fight for complete victory, his gratitude for strong US support and the high price his people were paying.
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