December 21, 2022 Russia-Ukraine and Zelensky news

A former director of Russia's space agency was wounded by Ukrainian shelling in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, according to state-run news agency TASS. 

Ex-Roscomos head Dmitry Rogozin, who now leads a team of Russian military volunteers in the Donbas region, was taken to hospital with a back wound after his hotel in Donetsk came under shelling, his aide told TASS.

The strike in the Russian-occupied city killed at least two people and injured several more, TASS reported.

"Evidently, it was a targeted strike," Rogozin's aide said, claiming the shelling came from a 155mm self-propelled artillery system. 

Volodymyr Zelensky's historic visit to the United States went well and he is "pleased" with the outcome, a source close to the Ukrainian president told CNN’s Jake Tapper.

Speaking to Congress Wednesday, Zelensky spoke of the strong ties between the US and his country, while giving a message of hope to Ukrainians at home.

He also called for continued financial support from US lawmakers, saying: "Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are reacting to the historic, wartime address from the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the war against Russia continues. The president came to Washington, DC, to thank Americans, but also to call for continued support from the US — something US President Joe Biden has reiterated during the visit.

Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said Zelensky "was inspirational as usual" tonight in his address

"This is so important, the most important thing is to beat the Russians in Ukraine," he said. "Fortunately, they have a leader that everyone can look up to and admire. And also, it's nice to have something here at the end of the year that we all actually agree on"

Senate Minority Whip John Thune said Zelensky "made the case for why American resolve is critical to the success of Ukraine," which in turn is critical to "the broader success of freedom and democracy all around the world.”

Thune said that while listening to Zelensky, he could "feel the intensity for his country and people and their desire for freedom and democracy,” and called it “inspiring.” He added that Zelensky’s speech “came from the heart." 

GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis, who has voted against Ukraine aid in the past, emerged from Zelensky’s speech saying she felt it was “wise” for him to “thank every American family” before thanking the Congress, to recognize “it’s the sacrifice of the American families and the American people that makes this money available to them.”

She said she’s opposed funding because it’s “coming out of taxpayers’ pockets” and she’s been advocating to use International Monetary Fund special drawing rights to provide the funding to Ukraine.

 “(The Ukrainians) are worthy, they are noble they are fighting their hearts out to save their country and their people and the sacrifice they’re making is just incredible,” she said. “I wish that we were being smart about sourcing the funding for them.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday spoke of the strong ties between the United States and his country, while giving a message of hope to Ukrainians at home.

Here are five key quotes from his historic speech at Capitol Hill:

1. Zelensky called for continued financial support from the US, telling the US Congress: "Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."
2. Zelensky urged members of Congress to strengthen sanctions against Russia and "let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression." He noted that US President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan, but added that each member of Congress can assist in the implementation.
3. The Russians "use everything" against Ukrainian cities such as Bakhmut, but Ukraine "holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelenksy said to roaring applause. "Last year, 70,000 people lived there in Bakhmut... Now only a few civilians stay. Every inch of that land is soaked in blood... Donbas changed hands several time in fierce combat, and even hand-fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands," he said.
4. Zelensky said Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the atrocities of the war, telling Congress: "Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out."
5. Zelensky ended his speech by saying Ukraine will achieve "absolute victory," reiterating his strong opening comments, which said: "Ukraine is alive and kicking."

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he thought Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech was "good," but that he wants to make sure there's "accountability" for any aid the US gives Ukraine.

“I thought it's a very good speech. He laid out a number of reasons why the free world wants to continue the fight. My position has never changed. I support Ukraine but I never support a blank check. We want to make sure there's accountability for every money that we spent," he said.

When asked what he discussed with Zelensky before the speech McCarthy said, “we've talked about where the war is at, what do we need to be able to win?”

McCarthy’s comments come as certain Republicans have pushed back on providing more aid to Ukraine. 

"Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelensky said in his address.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech came "at the right time" as senators are trying to pass a government funding bill with billions in critical additional aid to Ukraine. 

On what he thinks this means for passage of the government funding tonight, Schumer said: "I hope it will shake some people... I hope people realize how important passing this package is. When I was with him privately I asked with the four leaders sitting there, I said, 'What does it mean if we don't pass this package' He says ... 'If we don't pass this kind of aid,' he says, 'it would mean we'd lose the war.'"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invoked the Battles of Saratoga, the turning point of the American Revolutionary War, in his speech to Congress Wednesday evening.

“Just like the battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the tragic story of our war for independence and of freedom,” Zelensky said, referring to a Ukrainian city on the eastern frontlines of Russia’s aggression.

The Battles of Saratoga in 1777 marked the climax of a military campaign in Saratoga, New York, giving a decisive victory to the Americans over the British in the American Revolutionary War.

The victory marked a historical pivot in the war, fueling morale for American soldiers and persuading foreign powers to align with the colonists against the British.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Congress with a flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers as a gift to say thank you for the weapons that had been sent.

The flag was given to Zelensky on Tuesday in the frontline city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.

"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," Zelensky said.

In return, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave Zelensky a folded US flag that had flown over the Capitol building on Wednesday.

Members of Congress gave Zelensky a standing ovation and applauded the exchange.