THE SQUIZ

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has summoned the memories of Pearl Harbour and the 9/11 terror attacks to plead with American lawmakers for help in the war against Russia in an historic address to US Congress. Appearing in his trademark army green t-shirt, Zelensky sought military aid for the war which has killed thousands of Ukranians, inflicted damage on their cities and key infrastructure, and forced more than 2.5 million people to flee over the border. In his speech, Zelensky addressed Biden directly, saying “I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace.”

IS THERE SUPPORT FOR DOING MORE FOR UKRAINE?

Biden told the media that he was very moved by Zelensky’s speech and announced a further US$800 million for more anti-aircraft weapons and drones, bringing the total amount of funding to US$1 billion in the last week alone. “We’re going to give Ukraine the arms to fight and defend themselves through the difficult days ahead,” he said. And next week, Biden will travel to NATO HQ in Brussels for talks. French President Emmanuel Macron is working the phones (and a Zelensky-inspired crisis wardrobe…), but has admitted the 12-plus calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past month haven’t made a pouce of difference. And in a remarkable show of solidarity, the leaders of Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic travelled by train from Warsaw to Kyiv yesterday as the city came under further Russian attack. Poland’s PM Mateusz Morawiecki said if Europe lost Ukraine, it would be a “defeated, humiliated and pathetic version of its former self.”

WHERE IS AUSTRALIA IN ALL OF THIS?

It’s standing right alongside its Western allies. Yesterday, Defence Minister Peter Dutton took things up a notch by labelling Putin a “paranoid and utterly ruthless” dictator who may be “destroyed” by the war. And PM Scott Morrison has had another kick against Russia’s ally, China. “China actually relieved trade measures on Russia on wheat, for example,” he said, adding “that sends a terrible message.” China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian is doing the rounds. After meeting with Foreign Minister Marise Payne last week, he saw Labor’s Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong yesterday. She “urged China to support the people of Ukraine and its sovereignty, and not provide weapons to Russia,” her spokesperson said.

Want to know more about the leader of Ukraine? Today’s new Squiz Shortcut is for you – it’s all about Zelensky, his unlikely rise to power, and his unflinching stand against Russia.