Ukrainian president asks U.S. for military aid

Calling Ukraine's conflict with Russia and pro-Russian separatists "the war for the free world," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday asked a joint session of Congress for stepped up aid, including lethal military support.

The Ukrainians defending their freedoms "need more political support throughout the world," Poroshenko said to members of the U.S. House and Senate from the House floor.

"They need more military equipment, both lethal and nonlethal," he said, receiving a standing ovation from the U.S. lawmakers. "Blankets, night vision goggles are also important, but one cannot win the war with blankets. Even more importantly, we cannot keep the peace with a blanket."

In addition to addressing Congress, Poroshenko on Thursday met with President Obama in the Oval Office and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. By granting Poroshenko this level of attention, American lawmakers are sending a clear signal to the world, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in particular, that the U.S. firmly stands by Ukraine.

• Ukrainian president goes to Washington wanting more than moral support
• Rebels parade through Luhansk Ukraine amid tentative cease-fire

After their meeting in the afternoon, Mr. Obama said that the United States would provide additional assistance to Ukraine and will "continue to seek to mobilize international community."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday plans to vote on a bill to step up sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine, including lethal military aid like anti-armor weapons.

The U.S. has so far refrained from providing lethal aid, in part over concerns over the use of those arms should Russia decide to escalate the war in Ukraine. However former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer told CBS News this week that providing lethal aid to Ukraine will deter Russia from interfering further, since it would put their soldiers at greater risk.

The U.S. is interested in slowing down Russia's aggression before it targets NATO allies.

"Aggression against Ukraine is a threat to global security everywhere," Poroshenko said.

In addition to stepping up aid, Poroshenko encouraged the United States to give Ukraine "special security and defense status, which reflects the highest level of interaction with non-NATO ally."

That request also received a standing ovation from Congress.

Poroshenko also encouraged further economic sanctions against Russia to "help distinguish between good and evil."

"I understand the wars of the last decade have taken a heavy toll on the economy for the West," Poroshenko said. "I understand, believe me, that Americans... want peace, not war. So do Ukrainian citizens and taxpayers."

He also asked Congress to create a special fund to support investment of American companies in Ukraine, as well as assistance for reforms to the Ukrainian economic and justice systems.

"I assure you that all aid received from the West will be utilized by non-corrupt institutions," Poroshenko said, addressing one of Ukraine's most deeply entrenched problems.

He noted that the Ukrainian parliament recently ratified an agreement to deepen its ties with the European Union, saying that it opens up "a clear path for reform."

The Ukrainian president received a standing ovation from Congress after calling Ukraine's conflict unique from others around the world where the U.S. has been involved.

"By supporting Ukraine, you support the future of Europe and the entire free world," he said.

"You support a nation that has chosen freedom in the most cynical of times. In Ukraine, you don't build a democracy, it already exists -- you just defend it."