CLEVELAND — Wednesday morning, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy brought his case to the American people with a speech before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
Terry Zacharyj and Michael Polichuk did not watch the address live. Instead, they viewed it with us at the Polish Legion of American Veterans on Professor Avenue in Cleveland.
Both are U.S. Army veterans of Ukrainian descent who served in Vietnam, so they were able to give a unique perspective. On many fronts, they agreed with Zelenskyy, including his call to "cut ties with those who are responsible for the Russian aggression against Ukraine."
"They are suffering," Polichuk said, "and he needs help."
"He wants a democracy," Zacharyj added. "He wants the best for his country."
Zelenskyy has also been vocal about his desire for a no-fly zone over Ukraine "to save people," but some fear that could further escalate the situation. Polichuk and Zacharyj agreed.
"He wants that, but that can be a spark to expand [through]out the whole world," Polichuk worried.
Still, the two both believe the United States should help in any way it can.
"I'm sure that the U.S. military is not sitting back quietly," Zacharyj said.
"In my opinion, if I had to make a decision, I would give him planes," Polichuk declared.
When Zelenskyy was all done, he received an unprecedented standing ovation. While it's certainly a sign both parties are (largely) united when it comes to the issue of Ukraine's sovereignty, Polichuk says it's not enough.
"Politically, it's fine," he stated. "For fighting purposes, a standing ovation is not going to do anything in the field."