July 20 (UPI) -- Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska on Wednesday told Congress Ukraine needs more weapons to stop "this terror against Ukrainians" from Russia.
Appearing in person to address Congress, Zelenska urged a quick decision to provide more powerful weapons to Ukraine.
"Help us to stop this terror against Ukrainians, and this will be our joint great victory. In the name of life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness for every person, every family," Zelenska said.
She appealed specifically for air defense systems.
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"I'm asking for air defense systems in order for rockets not to kill children in their strollers, in order for rockets not to destroy children's rooms and kill entire families," Zelenska said.
She told Congress she addressed them as a daughter and a mother, not as first lady of Ukraine.
Zelenska said America has always fought to defeat terrorists.
"The war is not over," Zelenska said. "The terror continues, and I appeal to all of you on behalf of those who were killed, on behalf of those people who lost their arms and legs, on behalf of those who are still alive and well and those who wait for their families to come back from the front."
She said Russia's invasion of Ukraine has deprived Ukrainians of normalcy.
"I am asking for weapons. Weapons that would not be used to wage a war on somebody else's land," Zelenska said. "But to protect one's home and the right to wake up alive in that home."
She thanked the United States for help delivered to Ukraine so far, and said that "while Russia kills, America saves."
"I hope you heard me today and I hope that your decision will be speedy. Thank you for your attention. Glory to Ukraine," Zelenska concluded.
