Biden unexpectedly arrived in Kyiv and met with Zelensky

US President Joe Biden paid a surprise visit to Kyiv and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports with the BBC.

Photo: IStock

“Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians,” the Ukrainian president said. Vladimir Zelensky and Joe Biden visited the memorial to the soldiers who died during the nine years of this war.

The visit of the American president was not known in advance, moreover, the White House has repeatedly stated that it is impossible to organize it - it is unrealistic to ensure the security of the president in a warring country.

Biden was supposed to visit Poland on February 20-22 and meet with its President Andrzej Duda. This visit was announced by the White House in advance.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also came to Kyiv with the American president.

Biden arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland, as did other high-ranking American officials.

On the subject: The United States officially announced that Russia committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine

Biden was offered several plans for this trip. One involved a meeting between Biden and Zelenskiy at a secret location on the Polish-Ukrainian border. Another idea was to hold the meeting in Lvov, which has been hit by Russian airstrikes several times since the start of the war but remains relatively safe compared to the country's east. However, Biden decided to go to Kyiv, according to a senior White House official.

After 12:00 GMT, it became known that the American president had left Kyiv.

As the Russian-language account of the US State Department noted, “On the third Monday of February, the United States annually celebrates Presidents Day. Today's Presidents Day is truly historic!”

Biden said he was touched by how Ukraine came together and stood up to defend its state. “Kyiv has captured a part of my heart,” he said. He recalled the “dark night” when Russian troops launched their invasion of Ukraine a year ago. “A year later, Kyiv is still standing,” Biden said. — And Ukraine stands. And democracy."

“The price Ukraine had to pay was extremely high. And the sacrifices are too great,” said the American president.

The conversation between the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States Vladimir Zelensky and Joe Biden in Kyiv took place in the most cordial atmosphere, as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on February 20. “A historic visit took place. I will say this: both presidents are happy with the conversation. The atmosphere is as trusting and sincere as possible,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“As the world prepares to mark the anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, I am in Kiev today to meet with President Zelensky and reaffirm our unwavering and ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” сказал Biden during a joint speech with Vladimir Zelensky following the meeting.

“I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-tank systems and air surveillance radars, to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardment. Later this week, we will announce additional sanctions against elites and companies that attempt to evade or engage the Russian war machine,” Joe Biden said.

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Biden noted that over the past year, the United States has built a coalition of countries from the Atlantic to the Pacific to help defend Ukraine with unprecedented military, economic and humanitarian support, and that this support will continue.

“Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He was counting on us not being able to stay together. He counted on the fact that we would not be able to maintain NATO unity. He counted on the fact that we would not be able to attract others to the side of Ukraine,” Biden said. “He thought he could outlast us.” I guess he doesn't think so now. He was just very wrong. His war of conquest did not work out.”

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“This is the most important visit in the entire history of relations between the United States and Ukraine,” Zelensky said in response. According to him, the results of this visit will definitely be visible at the front. Zelensky discussed with Biden the supply of long-range weapons.

“I know that there will be a very significant support package for Ukraine... which will send a clear signal that Russian aggression has no chance,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine is grateful to you, Mr. President.”

A sign dedicated to President Biden was opened on the Alley of Courage near the Verkhovna Rada, reports "Ukrainian Truth".

“Today we are unveiling a plaque dedicated to President Biden on the Walk of Courage. The first call on the night of February 24 last year, our negotiations, constant and unwavering attention to our struggle. Attention to the protection of Ukrainian democracy and the special contribution of President Biden to strengthening the position of freedom in the world,” Zelensky said.

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Recall that the Alley of Courage was opened in Kyiv on August 23 by Volodymyr Zelensky and President of Poland Andrzej Duda. It perpetuates the names of political leaders and other representatives of partner countries who provide Ukraine with important support in the fight against the Russian Federation.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on Biden's visit to Kyiv.

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