United States President Joe Biden visited Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky during an unannounced trip that highlighted Western solidarity with the embattled nation.
The meeting between the two world leaders comes ahead of the first anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Biden spoke at Mariinsky Palace, saying that even after a year of Moscow's aggression, Kyiv stands.
Joe Biden's Visit to Kyiv
Speaking from his podium, the Democratic leader said that with Ukraine's continued defense, democracy stands. He added that the American people were standing behind Kyiv and the rest of the world.
The US president was in the Ukrainian capital for more than five hours. He consulted with Zelensky on the next crucial steps in the war, honored the fallen soldiers who fought for their country, and oversaw US embassy staff.
Biden's visit to Ukraine came when he was trying to keep his allies unified in their support of Ukraine, as many believed that the war would progress with spring offensives. As per the Associated Press, the Ukrainian president has continued to request the speedy delivery of weapon systems and called on Western nations to provide fighter jets.
The American president also experienced what Ukrainian citizens, soldiers, and officials had to endure almost every day when air sirens blared just as he and his Ukrainian counterpart wrapped up a visit to St. Michael's Cathedral.
The two world leaders continued their trip, laying two wreaths and holding a moment of silence at the Wall of Remembrance. The area honored the country's soldiers who have lost their lives since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014.
While the White House did not provide specific information, national security adviser Jake Sullivan did mention that they notified Moscow of Biden's sudden trip to Ukraine shortly before the American president departed from Washington "for deconfliction purposes."
US Support for Ukraine
Following Biden's meeting with Zelensky, he left the Ukrainian president a handwritten message in the palace guestbook, saying that Kyiv has "captured a part of my heart." He added that he was honored to be welcomed back in the Ukrainian capital and reiterated his support for the freedom of the country's people, according to Fox News.
During his visit, the American leader pledged half a billion dollars in military assistance for Ukraine. So far, the US has delivered more than $100 billion in support of Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion.
Several American lawmakers have argued that supporting Ukraine should become their top priority, but others have criticized such decisions without providing proper oversight. In a statement, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that Ukraine should not receive a blank check for its battle against Moscow.
During the trip, Biden said that Putin had been "dead wrong" to think that Moscow could outlast Kyiv and its Western allies in a battle of attrition. On top of the military funds, the US would also provide Ukraine with $10 million in emergency assistance to support the country's energy infrastructure, said BBC.
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