Zelensky congratulated the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on their re-election.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Mike Johnson on his re-election as Speaker of the House of Representatives and the beginning of the 119th session of the U.S. Congress. The corresponding statement was published by Zelensky on Friday, January 3, on social media X.   "Congratulations to the 119th Congress of the United States on the start of its first legislative session, and also to Mike Johnson on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives," the president wrote.   Zelensky noted that the bicameral and bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress has allowed Ukraine to save thousands of lives and prevent the capture of many cities by Russian invaders.   "Together with all friends of freedom in Congress, we have demonstrated that the courage of the Ukrainian people, combined with American leadership, can effectively deter Russian aggression. For global stability, it is crucial that Congress remains steadfast and that both parties, along with all true champions of freedom, unite to defend human and democratic values.   Future decisions of the House of Representatives could play a significant role in achieving real and lasting peace. The Ukrainian people are deeply grateful to Congress and the American people, whom they represent, for their unwavering support," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.   Zelensky wished Speaker Johnson "good luck in his extremely important work."   Mike Johnson was finally able to gather the necessary number of votes—218—on his second attempt. During the first vote, he received 216 votes. At least three Republicans voted against Johnson.   He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on October 25, 2023. Johnson became the third youngest Speaker in a century and had the least experience in Congress among all Speakers in the last 140 years.   The advocacy group Republicans for Ukraine, which works to promote support for Kyiv among the party, gave Johnson an F rating, indicating that his support for Ukraine was very low.   For a long time, House Republicans led by Johnson blocked a bill providing assistance to Ukraine. As a result, Ukraine fought against Russia for several months without U.S. support.   It should be noted that in early December, Mike Johnson stated: before Donald Trump's inauguration, he does not plan to bring up the issue of additional assistance to Ukraine proposed by the White House.