Thread by @WarintheFuture

President Zelensky of #Ukraine has just completed his historic and stirring speech to the US Congress. What were his key messages, and what might we take away from his address? A thread on my initial impressions. 1/24 🧵

2/ Back in February, such an address was unimaginable for most people. In the grim first few days of the Russian invasion, @ZelenskyyUa uttered those immortal words “I need ammunition, not a ride”.

3/ Not only was he telling his people that he was staying to lead them no matter what, his words electrified western populations and government leaders. The aid began to flow despite the concerns by some that Russian might succeed. #Leadership

4/ Since that time, the world has watched as the Ukrainian people and their soldiers have stood up and resisted Russia’s illegal and brutal depredations. They have endured torture, rape, and the destruction of the towns and cities.

5/ They have slowly but surely turned the tide of a war that was forced upon them. Defeating the Russian Army before #Kyiv, they then held off a renewed Russian onslaught in the Donbas, despite losing some of the key cities there.

6/ And then, the #Kharkiv and #Kherson offensives showed that the Ukrainians wouldn't just defend themselves and corrode Russian fighting power. These offensives demonstrated that #Ukraine could and would take back their lands occupied by Russia.

7/ And now, President @ZelenskyyUa, the leader of a free country that against all odds have resisted the might of Russia and consistently beaten them on the battlefield, has spoken to the US Congress, and through this, the people of the America. And the world.

8/ What key messages might we take from his speech today?

9/ First, #Ukraine is hugely appreciative of the support it has received from America. In describing this deep-felt thanks, he linked American sacrifices in the Battle of the Bulge to those of Ukrainians over this winter.

10/ Throughout his speech, @ZelenskyyUa showed the deep appreciation for the ongoing support from the American people, Congress and the US administration.

11/ Second, @ZelenskyyUa described this as a war that all democracies have an interest it. It isn’t just about #Ukraine and Russia. He spoke about Ukraine’s fight being something that connects all free nations, regardless of whether they have the "security of wide oceans" or not.

12/ And he reminded us that if Russia and its allies like Iran are not stopped now, where else might they strike in future.

13/ His third key message was that now is not the time for negotiations. It must be fought and won now. He notes how “This battle cannot be frozen or postponed.” His 10 point peace formula is the Ukrainian end game. He called for bipartisan Congressional support for it.

14/ Fourth, before they can defeat Russia, continued assistance will be needed. In calling for more assistance, he linked the Battle of Saratoga to the Battle of Bakhmut as a potential turning point in the war.

15/ Zelensky also described the need for an expanded range of military support from the US. As he notes in his speech, “Ukrainians can operate American tanks and planes themselves.”

16/ There were some important takeaways. The most important is that @ZelenskyyUa is calling for US support to continue (and even increase) in order to defeat Russia. And if Russia isn't defeated now, they will have to be dealt with eventually.

17/ As part of his visit Zelensky would be keen to also convert those in Congress and beyond who might be skeptical about supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. He would also want to ensure there is no expansion in the number who think this way.

18/ Zelensky will have used this trip to build relationships with the incoming Republican leadership of the House in Congress, as well as in the Biden administration. He knows he needs administration and congressional support to fund military and economic assistance.

19/ In his speech, he called assistance to Ukraine "not charity. It is a donation to global security and democracy which we handle in the most responsible way.” This is an important message about accountability and responsible use of assistance by Ukraine.

20/ He was targeting those who have questioned 'blank cheques' & accountability. After the speech, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was quoted in @washingtonpost saying “I support Ukraine but never supported a blank check. We want to make sure there’s accountability.”

21/ Finally, as people go on their Christmas holidays, Zelensky wants people to think about #Ukraine and what they are enduring to defeat a vicious authoritarian bully. His address to Congress was a way to keep the war in Ukraine at the forefront of international thinking.

22/ In his speech, @ZelenskyyUa reminded America and many around the world that Ukraine remains "alive and kicking".

23/ At heart, @ZelenskyyUa wants the world to know, to give us all confidence, that #Ukraine can and will win this war. But it will require patience, support and commitment from America and its friends for Ukraine to prevail. End

24/ Thank you to the following whose images were used in this thread: @CNN @washingtonpost @olgatokariuk
@ZelenskyyUa @RFERL @TheAtlantic