Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington showed that neither the United States nor the Ukrainian president are "ready for peace," Russia's ambassador to the US claimed Wednesday.
His comments came after Zelensky delivered a historic speech from the US
Capitol, expressing gratitude for American support in fighting Russian
aggression since the war began — and asking for more.
The Biden administration's "conciliatory statements about the lack of
intention to start a confrontation with Russia are just empty words,"
Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a statement distributed by the Russian
Embassy that decried what he described as Zelensky's "Hollywood-style
trip."
"What was essentially announced to applauses and sarcastic smirks, was
the need to continue the 'proxy war' against our country," Antonov said.
"Till a full victory over us."
Ambassador's warning: Speaking alongside Zelensky earlier Wednesday, President Joe Biden
announced the US will send Kyiv a Patriot missile defense system as part of an additional $1.8 billion assistance package to Ukraine.
Antonov said Biden's announcement came despite Russia warning the US
against providing the system to Ukraine. “I think everyone understands
perfectly well what fate the personnel, manning these complexes on the
territory of Ukraine, can face,” he said.
The Russian ambassador also warned that US involvement in Ukraine could
lead to an intensification of the conflict. “The provocative actions by
the US are steadily leading to an escalation, the consequences of which
cannot even be imagined,” he said.
Analysis: Zelensky's grit and defiance epitomize the nation he leads
If ever a leader personified their nation, it is Volodymyr Zelensky.
Unbroken, defiant, a civilian forced to don green military garb, the
Ukrainian president spent Wednesday in Washington, DC, on his daring first trip out of his country since Russia's
brutal, unprovoked invasion in February. He expressed heartfelt
gratitude for America's multi-billion dollar weapons and ammunition
lifeline — but made clear he'd never stop asking for more.
Appearing with extraordinary symbolism at the White House with
President Joe Biden and before a joint meeting of Congress, Zelensky
also bore sobering news. A long, bloody battle for freedom, democracy,
and ultimately, the survival of a nation Russian President Vladimir
Putin says has no right to exist — a fight for which it's still not
clear the free world has the stomach — is nowhere near over.
The comic actor-turned-wartime hero effectively put the fate of
millions of Ukrainians in the hands of American lawmakers, taxpayers and
families at a time when there is growing skepticism among the incoming
Republican House majority about the cost of US involvement.
At an emotional peak of his speech in the House chamber, Zelensky
handed Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris a Ukrainian
flag he retrieved from the hottest battle front at Bakhmut on
Tuesday.
"Our heroes ... asked me to bring this flag to you, to the US Congress,
to members of the House of Representatives and senators whose decisions
can save millions of people," he said. "So, let these decisions be
taken. Let this flag stay with you."
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