Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) addresses the US Congress while US Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) hold a Ukrainian national flag (Photo: Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the US Congress on its surprise first trip since the Russian invasion, saying next year will be a “tipping point” in the war.

Zelensky appeared before a joint session of Congress Wednesday night and received a standing ovation. He said “Ukraine is very much alive” and “Russian tyranny has lost control over us”.

Zelenskyy said that “next year will be a turning point, I know, the point where Ukrainian courage and American determination” will guarantee the future of our common freedom.

He read from a speech on stage and spoke only in English. He promised that his country “will win because we are united – Ukraine, America and the whole free world”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on his first known trip abroad since the Russian invasion more than 300 days ago (Photo: EPA)

Zelenskyi recited the words of 32nd US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

“The American people, in all their righteousness, will win by absolute victory,” Zelenskyy said. “The Ukrainian people will also win. Absolute.’

He asked Congress to approve more funds to support Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) receives an American flag from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (right) after a joint session of Congress.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (center) receives an American flag from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (right) after delivering a speech at a joint session of Congress (Photo: Shutterstock)

Zelensky said many Ukrainians will spend Christmas by candlelight not for the romantic aspect, but because Russia’s airstrikes on vital infrastructure have forced them to ration electricity for two hours a day. Millions of Ukrainians are also without heating and water, he added.

At the end of his speech, Zelenskyy presented Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris with a Ukrainian flag signed by his people.

Pelosi and Harris also presented Zelensky with a draped American flag.

Zelenskyj’s speech to US lawmakers came hours after he arrived at the White House during the surprise visit and met President Joe Biden. The two leaders stood together and held a joint press conference in the East Room.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said “Ukraine is very much alive” in its war against Russia (Photo: Getty Images)

Biden acknowledged that Russia is “deliberately destroying critical infrastructure” and vowed to continue supporting Ukraine. He announced that the US will provide $1.8 billion in additional aid, including a Patriot missile defense system.

“The United States is determined to ensure that the Ukrainian people can withstand Russian aggression for as long as necessary,” Biden said.

Zelenskyy thanked the US for its support and said its defense systems are vital in continuing to fend off Russian attacks.

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