Washington, D.C….Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent the following letter on behalf of the bipartisan Congressional leadership to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine inviting him to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. The invitation comes as Ukraine continues to fight back against Russia’s illegal, unprovoked invasion.

“In the face of Putin’s horrific atrocities, Ukrainian freedom fighters have inspired the world with an iron will and an unbreakable spirit — fighting back against Russia’s brutal, unjustified invasion,” Speaker Pelosi wrote in a letter to President Zelenskyy. “During this dark moment, your courageous, patriotic, indefatigable leadership has rallied not only your people, but the world, to join the frontlines of the fight for freedom.”

Speaker Pelosi continued: “It is with immense respect and admiration for your extraordinary leadership that I extend on behalf of bipartisan Congressional leadership an invitation to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.”

Below is the text of the letter to the President:

* * *

December 20, 2022

His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

01220, Kyiv, 11 Bankova Str.

Dear Mr. President:

It is with immense respect and admiration for your extraordinary leadership that I extend on behalf of bipartisan Congressional leadership an invitation to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

America and the world are in awe of the heroism of the Ukrainian people. In the face of Putin’s horrific atrocities, Ukrainian freedom fighters have inspired the world with an iron will and an unbreakable spirit — fighting back against Russia’s brutal, unjustified invasion.

During this dark moment, your courageous, patriotic, indefatigable leadership has rallied not only your people, but the world, to join the frontlines of the fight for freedom. America and our allies have proudly answered your call: imposing devastating sanctions on Putin and ensuring Ukraine has the resources it needs to win this war. And it was a privilege to hear from you and from Speaker Stefanchuk at the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform about how the importance of the free world’s unshakable solidarity with Ukraine.

The fight for Ukraine is the fight for democracy itself. We look forward to hearing your inspiring message of unity, resilience and determination. Thank you for your leadership and consideration of this request.

best regards,

NANCY PELOSI
Speaker of the House