Zelenskyy to U.S. Congress: “We need you right now”

In a video address to U.S. lawmakers Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian invasion the worst conflict in Europe since World War II. He called for U.S. help, saying, “Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember Sept. 11? Our country experiences the same every day now.” He showed a video of Ukrainian children on playgrounds contrasted with graphic footage of missile strikes, wounded civilians, and fathers saying goodbye to their children before leaving to join the army.

What can world leaders do? Although Zelenskyy has frequently pushed for a no-fly zone over Ukraine, NATO member nations said doing so might spark a world war with Russia. Zelenskyy said if a no-fly zone is impossible, the U.S. needs to offer weapons systems to help the army repel Russian forces. On Wednesday, the International Court of Justice ordered Russia to stop all military action in Ukraine immediately. The International Criminal Court reported Wednesday it has credible evidence that Russia is committing war crimes. President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced an additional $800 million of security aid to Ukraine.

Dig deeper: Read Sharon Dierberger’s report in WORLD Magazine about Ukrainians in crisis.