Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (44) used his surprise visit to the United States for several memorable moments. The politician, who will soon face a year of war in his country after the Russian invasion, met in the US capital Washington, D.C. including President Joe Biden (80) and gave a startling speech to the US Congress.

Biden confirmed the political alliance with a fatherly gesture when he welcomed the guests. The two men posed arm in arm and looked familiarly into each other's eyes - Biden in a suit, Zelenskyj in the olive-green military sweater in which he has been the supreme commander of the Ukrainian troops for around ten months now. "The American people have been with you every step of the way, and we will stand by your side as long as it is necessary," the US President assured of his full support.

The otherwise divided US Congress, for once, saw itself united in its homage to Zelenskyj: Even before Zelenskyy could begin his historic speech, which was held entirely in English, he received a standing ovation for several minutes from the deputies present in both chambers. The fact that Ukraine did not fall "despite all the adversities and doomsday scenarios" is largely due to the USA, Zelenskyy said. His thanks therefore go to the American people, who have made an "investment in global security and democracy" through military aid.

The outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (82), and Vice President Kamala Harris (58), provided another historic motif: while he was still addressing Congress, they held up a Ukrainian flag in the background, which Selenskyj made of a brought with him from the liberated city. "This flag is a symbol of our victory," Zelensky said, wishing the entire United States a Merry Christmas and agreeing that "Ukraine, America and the entire free world" should stick together.