Zelensky presents Congress with Ukrainian battle flag

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening and presented the body with his country’s flag, which he said he received Tuesday from soldiers fighting in Bakhmut, Ukraine.

Video Transcript

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY: When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our-- our heroes gave me the flag-- the battle flag, the flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe, and the world, at the cost of their lives. They ask 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.

So let these decisions be taken. Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen. This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand. We fight.

And we will win because we are united, Ukraine, America, and the entire free world.

[APPLAUSE]

Just one thing, if I can. The last thing, thank you so much. May God protect our brave troops and citizens. May God forever bless the United States of America. Merry Christmas and happy victorious new year. [UKRAINIAN]

[APPLAUSE]