Zelensky invokes fight against Nazis in address to Congress

The Independent's Morning Headlines email [View online]( December 22, 2022 [Morning Headlines]( 1 / [Zelensky invokes fight against Nazis as he insists Ukraine is ‘alive and kicking’ in address to Congress]( [Ukraine](’s president delivered a stirring address conveying gratitude to Americans and asking for their support ahead of what he depicted as an especially brutal winter, during his [address to Congress]( on Wednesday evening. [Volodymyr Zelensky](‘s roughly 30 minute remarks were punctuated by several breaks for standing ovations and supportive interjections from the lawmakers assembled for his remarks. At one particularly moving point of his address, the Ukrainian president likened the struggle of his countrymen to the vicious fighting that American troops experienced in western Europe near the end of the Second World War, as German forces mounted a last-ditch offensive that came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. “They burn down and destroy everything they see,” he said of advancing Russian forces. “They threw everything against us, similar to the other tyranny which is in the Battle of the Bulge.” “Through everything, just like the brave American soldiers which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same, this Christmas,” Mr Zelensky continued. He also said that Ukraine’s fight in defence of the Russian invasion was a battle for democracy that all Western countries were benefiting from. “Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”   2 / [UK Strikes: National highways workers to stage industrial action as travellers brace for inconvenience]( Workers will go on a four-day strike from today to Christmas 3 /[Brexit rules for millions of EU citizens living in UK deemed unlawful]( High Court says pre-settled status system is not lawful and creates too much uncertainty 4 / [NHS braced for ‘worst’ chaos ahead as strike knock-on effect hits hospitals]( ‘As this week’s strike action draws to a close, the disruption is far from over,’ NHS leaders warn 5 / [Zimbabwean activist who alleges harrowing torture by suspected state security now living in terror in Europe]( Exclusive: ‘Even now where I live, I don’t open my curtains. It has been a rollercoaster every day,’ Netsai Marova says in first media interview since alleged torture     The Big Question What is President Volodymyr Zelensky's schedule while visiting the US? President Volodymyr Zelensky is travelling [to the US to meet President Joe Biden at the White House](– marking his first trip out of Ukraine in the 300 days since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the meeting, Mr Biden will announce that the US will send an additional $2bn in security assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of the Patriot missile defence system, and Mr Zelensky will give an in-person address before Congress. As a show of gratitude for the US’s assistance during the war, the Ukrainian president is also expected to present Mr Biden and Congress with a Ukrainian flag signed by Ukrainian soldiers. Mr Zelensky was handed the flag on Tuesday when he paid a visit to the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut and met with Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline. At around 6am UK time (1am ET), the Ukrainian president tweeted that he was on his way to the US. “On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine. In particular, @POTUS and I will discuss cooperation between Ukraine and the US. I will also have a speech at the Congress and a number of bilateral meetings,” he said. [For the full story click here >](   Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](. Watch/ [Women protest outside Afghanistan university after Taliban block their access](   NUMBER OF THE DAY 40,000 The [RMT]( union has revealed that more than 40,000 workers across [Network Rail]( and 14 train operating companies will stage a series of 48-hour walk-outs that are ongoing. [Read more here](   QUOTE OF THE DAY “The punishment for homosexuality in these countries is oft jail, the logic of which I’ve never understood. ‘Oh, you like men? We’ll put you in a box with some.’ Not exactly a punishment, lads!” – [Joe Lycett]( after he is now at the centre of a hypocrisy debate over his [David Beckham]( money-shredding stunt after it was pointed out that the comedian has performed in [Qatar](. [Read more here](     Other stories you might like   [‘Sleepover’ murderer given whole-life term for killing pregnant partner and three children](   [Fuel prices at record Christmas high as RAC blames ‘heartless’ supermarkets](   [Asylum seekers could be housed on cruise ships awaiting scrapheap, Braverman suggests](       Articles available exclusively to subscribers John Rentoul, The Independent -[Could 2023 be the year Boris Johnson returns as prime minister?](   Other newsletters you might like [The Race Report] The Race Report Fortnightly, 7am (UK time) Written by Nadine White [Sign up]( [Inside Politics] Inside Politics Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by Matt Mathers [Sign up](   If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. 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