Ukraine war: emotional Zelensky asks Europe for more help as Russian strike kills dozens amid US funding worries mount
- Zelensky voiced confidence in continued US support despite growing apprehension that the infighting in Washington may disrupt the steady stream of economic aid
- Challenges are piling up for Ukraine as winter nears, as its counteroffensive has slowed with casualties mounting in Kyiv’s fight against Russian forces
President Volodymyr Zelensky told more than 40 European leaders gathered in Spain he was confident of America’s continued support, and asked for their continued help and more arms to help him fight against Russian aggression, which included an attack on a cafe that killed dozens.
In an emotional speech, Zelensky said schoolchildren in Kharkiv in east Ukraine were learning remotely or attending classes underground in subway stations because of air raids.
“Until there is a fully effective air defence system, children cannot attend school,” he told the European Political Community summit hosted in Spain’s Granada, some 4,000 kilometres west from Kharkiv.
He voiced confidence in continued US support despite what he called a “political storm” there recently after aid to Ukraine did not make the cut for a last-minute Congress deal to avoid a government shutdown.
“I am confident in America. They are strong people with strong institutions, and a strong democracy,” he said.