Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has paid a defiant wartime visit to Washington to thank U.S. President Joe Biden and all Americans for helping to fund his country’s defence against Vladimir Putin’s Russian forces.

He gave a passionate address to a joint session of U.S. Congress completely in english and urged members not to waver in their support, warning it’s just a matter of time before Moscow will strike against America’s other democratic allies.

Zelenskyy also talked about the difficulties Ukrainians are facing this Christmas with most living without electricity because of Russia’s use of Iranian made drones to knock out vital infrastructure.

“If Russian missiles attack us, we’ll do our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian drones and our people will have to go to bomb shelters on Christmas Eve, Ukrainians will still down at the holiday table and cheer up each other,” Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy says funding from the U.S. is “not charity” but an “investment” in global security and democracy.

House members of both parties gave a number of standing ovations as Zelenskyy repeatedly offered thanks for keeping Ukraine “alive and kicking.”

Zelenskyy’s 10-hour visit to Washington also packed in an Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and a joint news conference at the White House.