Washington, D.C. — Uifa’atali Amata attended Wednesday’s speech to Congress by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and was honored to shake his hand during this historic time. She is highlighting the ongoing bipartisan support and commitment to Ukraine’s right to independence from Russia.

 President Zelensky has spoken to the U.S. Congress before, although virtually from Ukraine. This time live and in person on the House floor he once again gave a compelling address on behalf of the nation he leads. “He expressed optimism and appreciation to the people of the United States. The Congress has repeatedly supported humanitarian and other supplies that assist the courageous people of Ukraine in their fight for survival and right to be a nation.”

The United States and Europe have provided necessary aid, diplomatic support, economic sanctions against Russia, humanitarian assistance and financial backing.

 “President Zelensky has shown resolve and strong wartime leadership,” concluded Aumua Amata. “We care deeply about the loss of life, and great disruption to families in Ukraine, and think of the children caught in the war, while we pray for wisdom and success for our diplomats working on these serious issues. The U.S. continues standing against aggression and instability.”

The whirlwind stop in Washington — his first known trip outside his country since Russia invaded in February — was aimed at reinvigorating support for his country in the U.S. and around the world at a time when there is concern that allies are growing weary of the costly war and its disruption to global food and energy supplies.

Zelenskyy called the tens of billions of dollars in U.S. military and economic assistance provided over the past year vital to Ukraine’s efforts to beat back Russia and appealed for even more in the future.

“Your money is not charity,” he sought to reassure both those in the room and those watching at home. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”

Just before his arrival, the U.S. announced a new $1.8 billion military aid package, including for the first time Patriot surface-to-air missiles. And Congress planned to vote this week on a fresh spending package that includes about $45 billion in additional emergency assistance to Ukraine.