Key Points
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made his first foreign trip since Russia's invasion - to Washington.
- He held talks with US President Joe Biden at the White House and addressed Congress.
- Mr Biden committed around $2.76 billion in military supplies including, for the first time, Patriot missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly appealed for long-term US support on saying aid was not "charity" and had helped keep his country "alive and kicking."
Three hundred days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine with hopes of swift conquest, Mr Zelenskyy enjoyed a hero's welcome on Thursday, on a lightning trip to Washington where US President Joe Biden committed nearly $1.85 billion ($A2.76 billion) in military supplies including, for the first time, the Patriot missile defence system.
Mr Zelenskyy - whose media savvy and rugged demeanour has helped rally world opinion - wore his trademark green military fatigues as he held talks at the White House and addressed Congress, where he handed over a Ukrainian flag from the battlefield.
'Ukraine will never surrender'
As Congress finalises a new package of $45 billion ($A67 billion), Mr Zelenskyy voiced gratitude and said that the new year would mark the "turning point" in the fight against Russia.
"Against all odds and doom-and-gloom scenarios," Mr Zelenskyy said in a speech that drew standing ovations, "Ukraine is alive and kicking."
"Your money is not charity. It's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Mr Zelenskyy said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds an American flag that was gifted to him by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as he leaves after addressing a joint meeting of Congress in Washington. Source: AAP / Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Comparing Ukrainian forces to Americans on the frontlines in the Second World War and the Revolutionary War, Mr Zelenskyy said that Russians "burn and destroy everything" in a way "similar to the other tyranny" of Adolf Hitler.
"Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Mr Zelenskyy said to applause.
Ukraine enjoys wide support in the United States but several hard-right Republicans have been critical, considering the aid a giveaway of taxpayer money.
Kevin McCarthy, likely to become speaker next month after a narrow Republican election victory, has warned he will not give a "blank cheque" to Ukraine, a comment seen as attempting to mollify his right flank.
