FROM UKRAINE WITH LOVE

When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the battle flag. The flag of those who defend
Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag
to the US Congress. May God protect our brave troops and citizens!
May God forever bless the United States of America!

by Jack Wright

During the historic address by Volodymyr Zelensky to the Joint Session of the United States  Congress on 21 December 2022, the Ukrainian President presented Congress with a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers fighting on the battleground of Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine. It was a thank-you gift to the American people for the weapons the defenders of their homeland had received.

Zelensky told the Members of Congress:

Ladies and Gentlemen! Americans!

Now, on this special Christmas time, I want to thank you. All of you. I thank every American family, which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people.

Volodymyr Zelensky addressing the Joint Metting of Congress on 21 December 2022. To his left Speaker Pelosi. Senate President Harris is on his right.

I thank President Biden and both parties at the Senate and the House – for your invaluable assistance.

I thank your cities and your citizens, who supported Ukraine this year, who hosted our people, who waved our national flags, who acted to help us.

Thank you all! From everyone, who is now at the frontline. From everyone, who is awaiting victory.

When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the flag. The battle flag. The flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to the US Congress – to members of the House of Representatives and Senators, whose decisions can save millions of people. . .

Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen!

This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war!

We stand, we fight and we will win. Because we are united. Ukraine, America and the entire free world.

May God protect our brave troops and citizens! May God forever bless the United States of America!

Merry Christmas and a happy victorious new year!

Слава Україні!*

President Zelensky receives a gift of US flag at the Joint Session of Congress

In return, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, with US Vice President Kamala Harris acting as President of the Senate, presented the Ukrainian President with the flag of the United States flying over the Capitol building that day.

The exchange of gifts received a standing ovation from the Members of Congress. But then, all throughout Zelensky’s address standing ovations dominated the Hall of the House.

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*From President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy official website

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Images from Wikimedia Commons
Featured image/Office of US House Speaker, PD
Quote mark/Oakus53, CC BY-SA4.0
Zelensky addressing Congress/Office of US House Speaker, PD
Zelensky with US flag/Office of US House Speaker, PD