TOLEDO, Ohio — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 on Wednesday as he appealed to the U.S. Congress to do more to help Ukraine's fight against Russia, but acknowledged the no-fly zone he has sought to “close the sky” over his country may not happen.
Livestreamed into the Capitol complex, Zelenskyy said the U.S. must sanction Russian lawmakers and block imports, and he showed a packed auditorium of lawmakers an emotional video of the destruction and devastation his country has suffered in the war.
Ohio lawmakers are reacting:
U.S. REP. MARCY KAPTUR, CO-CHAIR OF CONGRESSIONAL UKRAINIAN CAUCUS (D-TOLEDO)
“President Zelenskyy’s clear appeal for further assistance to combat Russia’s war has broad support in Congress, including from me. Just last week, I joined with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to vote for nearly $14 billion in additional defensive, economic, and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
“Yet, because of Russia’s far larger military budget and troop levels, this additional assistance is necessary but not enough. Russia’s airpower and nuclear arsenal have the ability to level Ukraine and all of Europe.
“The valor of the Ukrainian people in the face of this unprovoked attack is awe inspiring, and necessitates greater support from the world to isolate and defeat Vladimir Putin.
“Putin’s invasion of a nation that seeks to be free, peaceful, and democratic has transformed Ukraine into not only the scrimmage line for Liberty in Europe – but the scrimmage line for Liberty throughout the world.
“The Free World must beat back this illegal upending of the international rule of law. Democratic nations must assure the security of nations like Ukraine when they are threatened by ruthless outlaws.
“President Zelenskyy’s call for the establishment of a new global security arrangement to defend nations like Ukraine against their enemies makes sense. Members of the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe must do exactly that.
“The United Nations should convene 24 hours a day until full, devastating sanctions are effectively imposed on Russia, and a cease fire is negotiated. NATO should convene to assure Ukraine has support from democratic nations regardless of membership.
“Ukraine must not be subjected to annihilation by a beast as the rest of the world watches. If this test of Ukraine’s sovereignty is not met forcefully, the beast will feast on whatever prey it seeks. The task of defending Liberty is not one we should defer to our children and grandchildren – it is one we must embrace now.”
U.S. SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OHIO)
“Today President Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine needs more resources to defend itself and its freedom, and that’s what the U.S. is providing. President Biden is announcing dramatic new military assistance for Ukraine today, and I will continue working with the president to ensure Ukrainians are armed with effective military tools – including those designed to strengthen their air defenses – and are supported by strong sanctions, without needlessly escalating Putin’s war. I also share President Zelenskyy’s call for corporations to join this fight – no one should be profiting off of this invasion, from Big Oil to corporations that continue to do business in Putin’s backyard. President Zelenskyy and his people are fighting for the values Americans all share – freedom, democracy, the right to determine their own destiny – and we must all continue to stand united with them.”
U.S. SEN. ROB PORTMAN (R-OHIO)
U.S. REP. BOB LATTA (R-BOWLING GREEN)
“President Zelensky is doing everything he can for his homeland and his people. This morning, he provided a powerful address before Congress. It is a rare occasion for the leader of a foreign nation to deliver an address before the United States House of Representatives and Senate. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed Congress 80 years ago in a similar manner during the darkest days of World War II where he encouraged the United States to defend freedom in Europe. President Zelensky is pleading for support not just for the benefit of the Ukrainian people, but for all countries around the world against tyranny and outright Russian aggression. Putin and his military are committing war crimes, which we have seen through various news channels. This is wrong, and must be stopped.
“It has been 16 days since I introduced the PADE Act to ensure American funds are not going towards Putin’s war efforts against an innocent nation. We must tighten our sanctions and make Putin pay for the heinous acts he is committing in Ukraine. This means we must supply more military equipment while strengthening and increasing sanctions as we work to help Ukraine.”
U.S. REP. JIM JORDAN (R-URBANA)