MUNICH — At the high-level Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reached the peak of international support. Ukraine’s war with Russia continuesAmerican senators and world leaders must understand that Russia’s victory in Ukraine will have repercussions beyond its borders.
It came after Zelensky’s rallying cry fresh anger among the world leaders death A well-known Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny Friday while being held in a Siberian prison and this week in Ukraine AvdiivkaThe main battlefield on the front against Russia.
Calling for the restoration of the “rules-based world order”, Zelensky assessed Russia’s invasion as a “war against any rules”.
Vice President Kamala Harris stood alongside Zelensky at a joint press conference this afternoon, praising his determination and successes in the ongoing fight against Russia and saying the United States will continue to stand behind Ukraine.
Harris later said during an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell that this is a “moment of reckoning” for the United States.
“We have to do our part. And we’ve been very clear that the United States Congress must act,” Harris told NBC News.
“This is a moment when America actually has the ability to demonstrate through action where we stand on these issues, whether we stand with our friends in the face of extreme brutality or not?” And I say that we are with our friends.”
Zelenskiy, who called on the world to “act now” to oppose Russia, received a lengthy standing ovation, using his speaking time to renew his country’s support. long and mostly deadlocked As a defense against Russia, the focus has shifted in recent months Israel-Gaza war.
He called for more artillery and long-range weapons before an audience of security officials from the US, EU, China and the Middle East.
“Ukrainians have been holding for 724 days,” he said to thunderous applause as he promised that Ukraine would be able to reclaim its land and win the war against Russia.
Ukrainian forces withdrew from the town of Avdiivka this week. Bakhmut city last may
The withdrawal from Avdiivka comes amid delays in new US military aid to Ukraine. GrAccording to the Republican opposition.
Speaking at a separate joint press conference with Zelensky on Saturday, Harris said he and President Joe Biden would work to provide Ukraine with the “resources and weapons” it needs to succeed against Russia.
Unless Congress approves the aid, there is no Plan B, Harris said. “There is only Plan A, which is to ensure that Ukraine gets what it needs.”
Harris also emphasized Zelensky’s claim that Navalny’s death in prison was not just another episode in a long history. Putin destroys his enemiesbut a direct message to everyone at the Munich Security Conference.
Harris added that Navalny’s death was “proof of Putin’s brutality” and reminded the United States “why our fight for Ukraine is so important.”
“There is no one in Europe who is not threatened by the ongoing war,” Zelensky said. “This war does not determine the place of Ukraine or the whole of Europe in the world.”
Navalny, an outspoken critic of Putin’s war with Ukraine, disappeared from Russia’s penal system in December while serving a 30.5-year sentence. finally turns In a high-security penitentiary in a remote town above the Arctic Circle.
The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia said in a statement that he died after feeling unwell after a walk on Friday.
Responding to Navalny’s death on Friday, Biden said, “I hope so[d] God help” forces Congress to approve additional aid to Ukraine.
His comments came as House Speaker Mike Johnson called an early recess for Congress on Friday without approval. A $95 billion Defense Department package It includes more than 60 billion dollars for Ukraine.
Calling the aid package “vital” for his country, Zelensky said at a press conference with Harris that he hopes for the United States and is not looking for any alternative for funding.
In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Harris said he was “confident” that funding for Ukraine would pass if it came up for a vote in the House, citing broad bipartisan support despite opposition from Republican leaders.
“The failure to support Ukraine at this critical time will never be forgotten,” Biden said Friday, adding that the silence on Ukraine fueled global fears about whether the United States was a responsible ally.