Zelensky address to US Congress "an honor" for the country, Ukrainian president says

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his wife's speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday was an honor for Ukraine.

"This is the first time in history that a first lady has addressed Congress like this, and it is undoubtedly an honor for Ukraine and all our people," Zelensky said in his evening address to Ukrainians.

    "The speech was as practical and sincere as possible - actually representing all of our families," the Ukrainian president added. "Olena spoke about the victims of Russian terror and the real opportunity for our American friends to help us stop this terror. This May be our common victory - the Ukrainian nation and the American nation."

Zelensky concluded by saying he hoped the speech would be fruitful, citing his and the first lady's request for the U.S. and NATO to provide Ukraine with air defenses.

"A completely different speed and scope of protection is required. But unfortunately, everything depends not on us, but on the political decisions that the capital can make," he explained. "That's why this air defense topic became a key topic in today's Ukrainian First Lady's speech to the U.S. Congress."

"I am sure that answers to our inquiries will be provided soon. Russian terror must lose," he added.

Zelensky further elaborated on the current crisis in European energy markets, saying that Ukraine must be able to beat Russia in order to ease the burden on European households.

"Russia is testing everything that can be used against other European countries in Ukraine. It started with a gas war and ended with a full-scale invasion, rocket terror and burning of Ukrainian cities," he said. "To prevent this from happening to anyone else, we must ensure a tangible joint victory over Russia in Ukraine."