Title: Zelenskyy Thanks United States for Wartime Support Amid Continuing Russian Invasion
Date: September 22, 2022
In a heartfelt speech at the National Archives in Washington D.C., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed their gratitude towards the United States for its unwavering support in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion. The speech, delivered on Thursday (Sept. 22), highlighted the critical role played by the US in providing military assistance and other forms of support to Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy’s acknowledgment of the US partnership comes at a time when Ukraine continues to confront Russian aggression. The invasion, which began nineteen months ago, has caused immense suffering and devastation in Ukraine. In his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the support received from the United States, recognizing the country’s efforts in standing up against Russia’s aggression.
However, while Ukraine and Western officials maintain that progress is being made in the counteroffensive, Russian politician Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the lower house of parliament, took a different stance. Volodin contended that if Ukraine does not surrender on Moscow’s terms, the country will “cease to exist.” He criticized the Western response, claiming that despite pouring significant amounts of time, effort, money, and military might into the conflict, little headway has been made.
To compound the situation, a recent survey released by ABC News/Washington Post revealed a softening of American support for the war. More than 41% of respondents expressed the belief that the US is doing too much, up from 33% in February, while half claimed that the US is doing the right amount or not enough, down from 60%. These numbers indicate a gradual decline in support for the Ukrainian cause in America.
Nonetheless, key developments suggest that international assistance is still being extended to Ukraine. Polish President Andrzej Duda recently downplayed tensions with Ukraine and reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to providing weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine has received the first of the 31 high-tech M1 Abrams tanks promised by the United States. President Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation on Telegram, announcing that the tanks would reinforce Ukrainian brigades.
In addition, the British military has sent Royal Engineers to Poland to train Ukrainian troops in advanced bomb removal techniques. The provision of mine detectors and tailored training packages aims to assist Ukrainian mine disposal teams in dealing with the extensive minefields laid by the Russians along the front lines. British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing the immediate danger posed by deadly land mines and unexploded munitions.
As the conflict in Ukraine extends into its 20th month, the gratitude conveyed by President Zelenskyy and the continuing support from the United States and other allies underscore the importance of international solidarity against Russia’s aggression. The Ukrainian people remain resolute in their determination to defend their sovereignty and win back their territories from the invading forces.