#Ukrainian #Lady #Congress #Stop #terror
Ukraine’s first lady made an emotional pitch to US lawmakers on Wednesday to call for more guns to fight Russian invaders, and said she spoke for millions of parents who fear for their children.
Echoing her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who showed graphic images during his virtual appearance before the US Congress, Olena Zelenska – who appeared in person – showed images of happy children being killed or maimed by Russia.
Among them was Liza Dmitrieva, a four-year-old with Down syndrome, who is pictured happily in her mother’s baby stroller video an hour before she was killed in a Russian strike in Vinnytsia last week.
“We want every father and mother to be able to say to their child: ‘Go to sleep, there will be no more air strikes, no more rocket attacks.’ Is that too much?” said Zelenska.
Zelenska, who stepped into a more public role immediately after Russia’s invasion on February 24, acknowledged that it was unusual for a first lady to search for guns but said it was vital.
Ukraine needs anti-aircraft systems “so missiles don’t kill children in their strollers,” she said.
“Help us stop this terror against Ukrainians,” she said.
She recalled both the September 11 terrorist attacks and the US Declaration of Independence’s call for all people to enjoy “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
US lawmakers will go on hiatus next week, and “this is normal,” she said.
“It is precisely this normality that is now being taken away from us. Will my son be able to go back to school in the fall? I don’t know, like millions of mothers in Ukraine.”
Both President Joe Biden, whom she met on Tuesday, and the US Congress were enthusiastic about arms sales to Ukraine and approved a $40 billion package in May.
But as Russian forces advance in the east, Ukraine is trying to ensure a steady flow of weapons, including longer-range precision missiles.
US lawmakers applauded Zelenska as she thanked them for their help, saying, “While Russia kills, America saves.”
Social Tags:
#Ukrainian #Lady #Congress #Stop #terror