US President Joe Biden on Monday made a shock go to to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. His go to got here forward of the primary anniversary of the Russian invasion – it was on February 24 final 12 months that Vladimir Putin launched “particular army operations” in Ukraine. In an announcement, Biden stated he’s in Kyiv to satisfy his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm his “unwavering dedication to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity”. Zelensky hailed Biden’s shock go to as a key signal of help practically one 12 months after Russia invaded. “Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your go to is an especially necessary signal of help for all Ukrainians,” Zelensky was quoted by AFP.
Uniformed Ukrainian army officers lined the road as the 2 leaders laid a wreath on the Wall of Remembrance for the fallen heroes of the Russian-Ukrainian battle.
Biden promised elevated arms deliveries for Ukraine and vowed Washington’s “unflagging dedication” in defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “We’ll announce $500 million in assist to Ukraine. This may encompass javelins, howitzers, and artillery ammunition. Later, we’ll announce further sanctions towards firms which are attempting to again Russia,” Biden stated in Kyiv.
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In a collection of tweets, Biden additional underlined: “As we strategy the anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, I am in Kyiv in the present day to satisfy with President Zelenskyy and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
He additionally used the chance to assault Putin. “When Putin launched his invasion practically one 12 months in the past, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he may outlast us. However he was lifeless incorrect.”
“During the last 12 months, the USA has constructed a coalition of countries from the Atlantic to the Pacific to assist defend Ukraine with unprecedented army, financial, and humanitarian help – and that help will endure.”
Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko in a tweet welcomed Biden: “Sure, confirmed @POTUSin #Kyiv. Welcome Mr President! Trying ahead to the bulletins following the air raid sirens expertise (sic).”
Biden will arrive in Warsaw on Tuesday the place he’ll meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda, the White Home stated in an announcement on Sunday.
He has insisted the US will proceed to again Ukraine for “so long as it takes”. The Biden administration has offered some USD 30 billion in safety assist since Putin despatched Russian forces into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, initiating the most important floor battle in Europe since World Conflict II – one which already has price his nation and Ukraine a whole lot of hundreds of casualties.
(With company inputs)