Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a direct appeal to Americans for more support during a surprise visit Wednesday to Washington. In a speech delivered before Congress, he thanked the US for continuing to provide military aid, which he called an investment in democracy.

Zelenskyy said, "Thank you for both financial package you have already provided us with, and the ones you may be willing to decide on. Your money is not a charity. It's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way."

During his speech, Zelenskyy received frequent standing ovations from lawmakers. Some held up the Ukrainian flag.

Earlier in the day, US President Joe Biden welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House.

Biden offered another aid package worth 1.85 billion dollars. It includes the Patriot missile defense system.

Biden said Russian President "Putin has no intention, no intention of stopping this cruel war. And the United States is committed to ensuring that the brave Ukrainian people can continue to defend their country against Russian aggression, as long as it takes."

Zelenskyy's visit comes at a time of transition in US politics. The White House is bracing for more scrutiny over aid for Ukraine from Republicans, who will take control of the House of Representatives in January.