"The collective West is set for a long confrontation with Russia," says Russian foreign ministry
From CNN's Anna Chernova
The West supplying Ukraine with military support and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington further demonstrates that "the collective West is set for a long confrontation with Russia," said a spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry.
Maria Zakharova went on to talk about the "monstrous crimes" of the "regime in Kyiv," adding that no matter how much the West helps arm the Ukrainian government, "they will achieve nothing."
"As the leadership of our country has stated, the tasks set within the framework of the special military operation will be fulfilled, taking into account the situation on the ground and the actual realities," Zakharova added, referring to Russia's war in Ukraine, which it calls a special operation.
Her comments came after Zelensky delivered a historic speech from the US Capitol, expressing gratitude for American support in fighting Russian aggression since the war began — and asking for more.
5:09 a.m. ET, December 22, 2022
Putin congratulates Israel's Netanyahu on forming government and discusses Ukraine
From CNN's Hadas Gold in Jerusalem
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during an annual meeting of the Defence Ministry Board in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday. (Vadim Savitskii/Russian Defence Ministry/Handout/Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to congratulate him on the formation of a new government and to discuss the situations in Ukraine and Iran, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.
"The two leaders discussed a number of issues, chief among them the war in Ukraine," the statement said.
"Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu told President Putin that he hopes a way will be found as soon as possible to end the war and the suffering caused by it."
"Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu told President Putin that he is determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to curb its attempts to establish a military base on our northern border," Netanyahu's office added.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu officially informed Israeli President Isaac Herzog that he had successfully formed a government.
Netanyahu, who had already served as prime minister for 15 years until being ousted last year, had until midnight local time (5 p.m. ET) Wednesday to form the government following elections on November 1.
In what was a last minute announcement, Netanyahu tweeted 10 minutes before the deadline expired: “I have managed.”
1:39 a.m. ET, December 22, 2022
Russian ambassador warns of Ukraine war escalation after Zelensky's US visit
From CNN’s Mayumi Maruyama and Sophie Jeong
Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington showed that neither the United States nor the Ukrainian president are "ready for peace," Russia's ambassador to the US claimed Wednesday.
His comments came after Zelensky delivered a historic speech from the US Capitol, expressing gratitude for American support in fighting Russian aggression since the war began — and asking for more.
The Biden administration's "conciliatory statements about the lack of intention to start a confrontation with Russia are just empty words," Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a statement distributed by the Russian Embassy that decried what he described as Zelensky's "Hollywood-style trip."
"What was essentially announced to applauses and sarcastic smirks, was the need to continue the 'proxy war' against our country," Antonov said. "Till a full victory over us."
Antonov said Biden's announcement came despite Russia warning the US against providing the system to Ukraine. “I think everyone understands perfectly well what fate the personnel, manning these complexes on the territory of Ukraine, can face,” he said.
The Russian ambassador also warned that US involvement in Ukraine could lead to an intensification of the conflict. “The provocative actions by the US are steadily leading to an escalation, the consequences of which cannot even be imagined,” he said.
3:52 a.m. ET, December 22, 2022
Analysis: Zelensky's grit and defiance epitomize the nation he leads
Analysis from CNN's Stephen Collinson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, December 21. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Unbroken, defiant, a civilian forced to don green military garb, the Ukrainian president spent Wednesday in Washington, DC, on his daring first trip out of his country since Russia's brutal, unprovoked invasion in February. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for America's multi-billion dollar weapons and ammunition lifeline — but made clear he'd never stop asking for more.
Appearing with extraordinary symbolism at the White House with President Joe Biden and before a joint meeting of Congress, Zelensky also bore sobering news. A long, bloody battle for freedom, democracy, and ultimately, the survival of a nation Russian President Vladimir Putin says has no right to exist — a fight for which it's still not clear the free world has the stomach — is nowhere near over.
The comic actor-turned-wartime hero effectively put the fate of millions of Ukrainians in the hands of American lawmakers, taxpayers and families at a time when there is growing skepticism among the incoming Republican House majority about the cost of US involvement.
At an emotional peak of his speech in the House chamber, Zelensky handed Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris a Ukrainian flag he retrieved from the hottest battle front at Bakhmut on Tuesday.
"Our heroes ... asked me to bring this flag to you, to the US Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and senators whose decisions can save millions of people," he said. "So, let these decisions be taken. Let this flag stay with you."
Editor's note: This post was adapted from the Dec. 22 edition of CNN's Meanwhile in America, the daily email about US politics for global readers. Read the full analysis here or click here to read past editions and subscribe.
3:54 a.m. ET, December 22, 2022
Hillary Clinton calls Zelensky's speech "extraordinary"
From CNN's Sonnet Swire and Rashard Rose
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks at the opening of the Eyes on Iran art exhibition at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms State Park on November 28, in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to Congress ���extraordinary,” saying the country’s fight against Russian aggression has “proven that they are a really good investment for the United States.”
The speech “connected the struggle of Ukrainian people to our own revolution, to our own feelings that we want to be warm in our homes to celebrate Christmas and to get us to think about all the families in Ukraine that will be huddled in the cold and to know that they are on the front lines of freedom right now,” Clinton said on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360” Wednesday.
She said Zelensky’s historic address “strengthened both Democrats and Republicans who understand what is at stake in this fight against Putin and Russian aggression and now with their ally, Iran, as well.”
“I also think no one is asking for a blank check,” Clinton added. “I believe that the Ukrainians have proven that they are a really good investment for the United States. They are not asking us to be there to fight their war. They’re fighting it themselves. They’re asking us and our allies for the means to not only defend themselves but to actually win.”
Former Russian space chief injured by shelling in Ukraine, state media says
From CNN's Jonny Hallam
A former director of Russia's space agency was wounded by Ukrainian shelling in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, according to state-run news agency TASS.
Ex-Roscomos head Dmitry Rogozin, who now leads a team of Russian military volunteers in the Donbas region, was taken to hospital with a back wound after his hotel in Donetsk came under shelling, his aide told TASS.
"His life is not in danger," the aide said.
The strike in the Russian-occupied city killed at least two people and injured several more, TASS reported.
"Evidently, it was a targeted strike," Rogozin's aide said, claiming the shelling came from a 155mm self-propelled artillery system.
3:56 a.m. ET, December 22, 2022
Zelensky delivers impassioned plea for more help fighting Russia on the "frontline of tyranny"
From CNN's Kevin Liptak and Maegan Vazquez
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the US Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on December 21. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a historic speech from the United States Capitol Wednesday night, expressing gratitude for American support in fighting Russian aggression since the war began — and asking for more.
“I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart,” Zelensky said during the joint meeting of Congress, later adding, “Against all odds, and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.”
But alongside Zelensky’s gratitude was a plea, emphasizing that his armed forces are outnumbered and outgunned by the Russian military even as they fight on. At one point, Zelensky drew laughs from the chamber when he said, “We have artillery, yes. Thank you. We have it. Is it enough? Honestly, not really.”
On “the front line of tyranny,” Zelensky argued, American support “is crucial not just to stand in such fight but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield.”
“The world is too interconnected and too interdependent to allow someone to stay aside and at the same time to feel safe when such a battle continues,” he added. “Our two nations are allies in this battle and next year will be a turning point, I know it — the point where Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom, the freedom of people who stand for their values.”
“Your money is not charity,” he asserted. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”
Zelensky had "sincere and supportive" meeting with Biden, source says
US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at the White House in Washington, DC, on December 21. (Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Volodymyr Zelensky's historic visit to the United States went well and he is "pleased" with the outcome, a source close to the Ukrainian president told CNN’s Jake Tapper.
"His meetings with President [Joe] Biden were sincere and supportive. The Joint session was great and he felt real bipartisan support," the source said.
Speaking to Congress Wednesday, Zelensky spoke of the strong ties between the US and his country, while giving a message of hope to Ukrainians at home.
He also called for continued financial support from US lawmakers, saying: "Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."
5:14 a.m. ET, December 22, 2022
5 key quotes from Zelensky's speech to Congress
Volodymyr Zelensky, center, arrives to speak during a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Wednesday. (Nathan Howard/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday spoke of the strong ties between the United States and his country, while giving a message of hope to Ukrainians at home.
Here are five key quotes from his historic speech at Capitol Hill:
Zelensky called for continued financial support from the US, telling Congress: "Your money is not charity. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."
Zelensky urged lawmakers to strengthen sanctions against Russia and "let the terrorists be held responsible for aggression." He noted that US President Joe Biden supported his 10-point peace plan, but added that each member of Congress can assist in the implementation.
The Russians "use everything" against Ukrainian cities such as Bakhmut, but Ukraine "holds its lines and will never surrender," Zelenksy said to roaring applause. "Last year, 70,000 people lived there in Bakhmut... Now only a few civilians stay. Every inch of that land is soaked in blood... Donbas changed hands several times in fierce combat, and even hand-fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands," he said.
Zelensky said Ukrainians will celebrate Christmas this year, despite the atrocities of the war, telling Congress: "Even if there is no electricity the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out."
Zelensky ended his speech by saying Ukraine will achieve "absolute victory," reiterating his strong opening comments, which said: "Ukraine is alive and kicking."
