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Zelenskyy makes a bold challenge to Biden. Can America be the leader for peace?

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling from the front lines of freedom's defense, asked for America's best in his nation's time of peril.

The images Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed Wednesday morning in his virtual address to the U.S. Congress graphically portrayed the worst of humanity. Infants lying bloodied in hospitals. Innocent civilians lying dead in streets. Neighborhoods that were vibrant and bustling only three weeks ago reduced to rubble by the horrors of war.

The scenes in Ukraine have been horrifying and maddening, heartbreaking and sickening as Russia's barbaric invasion has wantonly targeted once-flourishing cities and humble farm towns. 

Zelenskyy reminded Americans that we have witnessed similar horrors on our own soil. He pointed to Dec. 7, 1941, a day that lives in infamy more than 80 years later. He reminded us of Sept. 11, 2001, when we quaked in shock, horror and anger.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., introduces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak to the U.S. Congress by video at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

Then Zelenskyy couched his appeal for America's help in words that stirred our nation's moral conscience to fight injustice. “ ‘I have a dream,’ – these words are known to each of you. Today, I can say, I have a need. I need to protect our sky."

He asked either for the implementation of a humanitarian "no-fly" zone or for more direct aid for his nation's defense, including aircraft. 

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Zelenskyy, an actor and a comedian by training, knows the power of words. And the power of a moment. As he ended his appeal to Americans' heart and soul, he switched from Ukrainian to English to issue a direct challenge.

"Peace in your country doesn’t depend anymore only on you and your people," he said. "It depends on those next to you, on those who are strong. Strong doesn’t mean big."

And speaking directly to President Joe Biden, he said: "You are the leader of your great nation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace."

What will the United States do?

It was an extraordinary moment in an extraordinary time in history – not only for Ukraine but also for Europe, the United States and the rest of the world.

Now, Biden, Congress and the American people must wisely decide how to respond.

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There is a sense that history will turn on the decisions made in the coming days and weeks. In this globally connected age, there's not much room to sit on the bench and watch things play out, especially for the world's sole superpower. 

The most hawkish voices, including Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., have backed Ukraine's calls for a no-fly zone, one that would likely require direct combat between U.S. and Russian forces. It's a step Biden has said could lead to World War III.

“I think his basic request about closing the skies is not feasible without risk of a direct confrontation, battles between the United States and Russia which create the prospect of potential nuclear war,” Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., told USA TODAY reporters after the speech. “But I think we will see everyone here finding every conceivable way to assist the Ukrainians with the weapons they need to take on the Russians in terms of anti-tank, anti-plane, explosive devices, drones."

And Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said he backed the call to provide more defense assistance to Ukraine. “We need to get him the aircraft and the anti-aircraft systems he’s requesting," Romney said. "There’s no excuse not to."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, greets Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova as they arrive to hear Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak to the U.S. Congress by video at the Capitol on March 16, 2022.

Economic sanctions implemented by the United States and the European Union are hitting Vladimir Putin and his posse of Kremlin cronies where it hurts the most, in their wallets. At home, gas prices are spiking at the worst possible moment as inflation skyrockets. Middle- and working-class families are bearing the brunt of the burden. 

Zelenskyy acknowledged Americans' temporary pain. But he asked for more sacrifices as the necessary price of freedom.

“We need you right now,” Zelenskyy said. “Peace is more important than income.”

A new test of American mettle

This moment demands resolve and sacrifice from Americans and the world, and it calls for leaders from both political parties to set aside grandstanding to work on bipartisan solutions that alleviate the economic suffering at home and equip Ukraine with the weapons needed to hold the ramparts of freedom against savage aggression.

Are we up to Zelenskyy's challenge to be leaders for peace? Can we work together to show the world we stand for justice?

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At our best moments – after 9/11, after Pearl Harbor, during the civil rights movement – we have found the courage to persevere and overcome. We now face a new test of America's character and mettle.  

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling from the front lines of freedom's defense, has asked for America's best in his nation's time of peril. 

Are we up to the test?

Commentary editor Austin Bogues is a member of USA TODAY's Editorial Board. Follow him on Twitter: @AustinBogues

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