Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address members of Congress virtually on Wednesday, according House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced.
“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,” Pelosi and Schumer wrote in a letter to members according to CNN.
The virtual address comes after members of the House and Senate participated in a Zoom call with Zelensky earlier this month.
Since then, Congress has moved to provide $13.6 billion in Ukraine-related aid. The House also passed legislation last week to cut off Russian oil and is expected to take up legislation this week ending normal trade relations with Moscow, The Hill reports.
However, Zelensky is asking the Biden administration to do more to punish Russia for invading Ukraine. The Ukrainian president reportedly wants Biden to cut off Russia from international trade, expand the list of Russian elites being targeted and close off Russia’s access to international waterways. Zelensky is also asking for more planes and other military equipment.
In their letter to lawmakers on Monday, Pelosi and Schumer reaffirmed US support for Ukraine amid Russia’s unprovoked invasion of the country.
“The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression, and to passing legislation to cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelenskyy’s address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy,” the Democratic leaders wrote.
