Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a historic address to a joint meeting of Congress tonight.
Zelensky spoke for just over 20 minutes in English, invoking U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thanking lawmakers for their support and vowing to defeat Russia.
He was interrupted multiple times for standing ovations.
Wednesday marked Zelensky’s first trip outside Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February and comes as Ukrainian officials warn Moscow is preparing for a massive winter offensive.
Catch up with live updates from The Hill’s reporters below:
In-depth coverage from The Hill
Read more in-depth coverage of tonight’s historic speech from The Hill’s reporters:
Boebert presses for ‘full audit’ of US money after Zelensky address
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) pushed for a “full audit” of U.S. security assistance after Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky delivered a passionate speech to Congress.
“What I didn’t hear tonight is a clear explanation of where the first $50 billion dollars we sent to support their efforts went,” she said in a video posted on Twitter.
“Until Congress receives a full audit on where our money has already gone,” she added, “I will not support sending additional money to this war.”
Boebert did not rise during several standing ovations for Zelensky.
— Brad Dress
Chants of ‘Slava Ukraini’ in the chamber following speech
Chants of “Slava Ukraini” were heard in the House chamber when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrapped up his speech to a joint meeting of Congress.
Lawmakers and members of the Ukrainian diaspora in the chamber for the address chanted the phrase, which means “glory to Ukraine,” during a standing ovation following the speech.
— Mychael Schnell
Pelosi gives U.S. flag to Zelensky
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) handed a U.S. flag inside a case to Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky held it up to cheers and applause from members of Congress.
“This flag was flown over the Capitol today in honor of the president’s visit,” Pelosi said.
— Brad Dress
Zelensky hands Ukrainian flag to Pelosi
Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky handed over a Ukrainian battle flag with signatures on it to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
“This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war,” he said. “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 you,” Zelensky added, “to the U.S. Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and senators whose decisions can save millions of people.”
Pelosi gave Zelensky the U.S. flag that was flown over the Capitol today.
— Brad Dress
Zelensky concludes address
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has concluded his address to Congress.
He spoke for just over 20 minutes in English, invoking U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thanking lawmakers for their support and vowing to defeat Russia.
He was interrupted multiple times for standing ovations.
Zelensky invokes FDR in speech to lawmakers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invoked former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in closing his historic address to Congress.
“Standing here I recall the words of the president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which are, I think, so good for this moment. ‘The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,'” Zelensky said.
“The Ukrainian people will win too. Absolutely,” he said, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd of lawmakers.
— Julia Mueller
Zelensky to US lawmakers: ‘Your money is not charity’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked U.S. lawmakers for their financial support of the country in its fight against Russia, and assured them that Ukraine would responsibly wield the funds.
“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelensky said.
“Your support is crucial, not just to stand in such fight, but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield.”
— Julia Mueller
Zelensky describes fighting on front lines
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described fighting on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war to kick off his historic speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
“Every inch of that land is soaked in blood. Roaring guns sound every hour. Trenches in the Donbas change hands several times a day in fierce combat, and even hand fighting, but the Ukrainian Donbas stands,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president was in Bakhmut earlier this week before heading to D.C. for the unprecedented visit.
Zelensky said Russia has been pummeling the area “day and night, but Bakhmut stands.”
— Julia Mueller
House chamber erupts in standing ovation for Zelensky entrance
Democrats and Republicans stood and clapped when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky entered the House chamber on Wednesday for his address to a joint meeting of Congress.
As lawmakers of both parties and chambers continued the standing ovation, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) sat down.
Boebert has been critical of the U.S. sending aid to Ukraine. In September she wrote on Twitter “$13.7 BILLION MORE TO UKRAINE? The Democrat spending spree never, ever ends. Biden needs to understand that we are the USA not the US-ATM.”
-Mychael Schnell
Zelensky: Ukraine is alive and kicking
Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky has opened his address Congress on Wednesday, beginning his remarks in English.
Zelensky thanked members of Congress for supporting him and emphasized that Ukraine was standing strong in the war against Russia.
“Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall,” he said. “Ukraine is alive and kicking.”
— Brad Dress
McCarthy skips Zelensky’s walk out into the rotunda with congressional leaders
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) wasn’t among the top congressional leaders accompanying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into the Capitol rotunda ahead of his historic speech to lawmakers.
Zelensky met with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) before his slated address.
McCarthy was listed as a member of the escort committee expected to accompany Zelensky into the Chamber, but wasn’t spotted in the group heading to the joint session of Congress.
— Julia Mueller
Zelensky enters chamber
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got a standing ovation as he entered the chamber.
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) and others are holding a Ukrainian flag.