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Ukraine's President Poroshenko addresses joint session of U.S. Congress

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was greeted with a standing ovation by both houses of Congress during his visit to Washington on Thursday, where he delivered an address to the joint session and asked for continuing U.S. support to counter Russian aggression.

By JC Finley
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2014. Seated behind Poroshenko are Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). UPI/Kevin Dietsch
1 of 3 | Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2014. Seated behind Poroshenko are Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko arrived in Washington Thursday, where he delivered an address to a joint session of Congress.

As he entered the House chamber and took the podium, Poroshenko was greeted by a standing ovation and minutes-long applause.

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"This is exactly what Ukraine now needs most: unity and solidarity ... with the whole world," he said of the visible show of support for Ukraine, and acknowledged his appearance at the joint session as "one of the highest political privileges."

Poroshenko thanked the U.S. on behalf of the Ukrainian people, whom he described as "defenders of freedom" during the Euromaidan movement that opposed former President Viktor Yanukovych's regime of "political terrorism and harassment," and their continuing opposition to Russian aggression in east Ukraine.

Despite Russia signing the Budapest Memorandum 20 years ago ensuring its protection of Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons, Russia's "imperialistic mindset is still there," Poroshenko pointed out. "... they have now invaded Ukraine. ... Moldova. Georgia. Ukraine. Who is next?"

"I urge you not to let Ukraine stand alone...

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"The U.S. made a commitment to stand behind Ukraine's sovereign territorial integrity, and we hope that it will live up to that promise."

Following applause from lawmakers, Poroshenko reiterated that "democracies must support each other."

That Ukrainian military, he said, urgently needs more equipment, both lethal and nonlethal. His plea was met with additional applause.

"Blankets, night vision goggles are also important, but one cannot win the war with blankets."

Military assistance will not only help Ukraine win the war but it will also help Ukraine's government keep the peace, he continued.

"Ukraine has a special bond with the United State... This partnership is not circumstantial... It came about because in the moment of the existential crisis, Ukraine's choice was same as America's. Very simple: freedom, democracy and the rule of law."

Poroshenko also requested the U.S. grant Ukraine a special security and defense status, "which reflects the highest level of interaction with a non-NATO ally."

Even amid the challenges of continuing unrest during a fragile cease-fire in eastern Ukraine and Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, Poroshenko expressed a degree of optimism that justice and peace would prevail.

"...Sooner or later, I am absolutely sure, peace will return to the Ukrainian homes and despite the insanity of this war, I am convinced that peace can be achieved sooner than later."

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