KYIV, UKRAINE (WSAU) – One day before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden paid an unexpected visit to Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“One year later, Kyiv stands,” Biden said. He continued by saying “And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.”
The visit to Ukraine occurs at a pivotal time in the war as Biden seeks to maintain unity among allies in support of Ukraine as the conflict is anticipated to worsen as both sides gear up for spring offensives. Zelenskyy wants the West to send fighter jets to Ukraine, something that Biden has so far rejected to do. He is also urging partners to expedite the delivery of weapons and equipment they have promised.
In addition to the more than $50 billion already provided, Biden announced this morning that an additional $500 million package will be sent to Ukraine. This assistance included air surveillance radars, anti-tank missiles, howitzer shells, and other items, but not brand-new, cutting-edge weapons.
This is President Biden’s first trip to a combat area as president. Throughout their terms in office, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush all made unexpected trips to meet with the leaders of Afghanistan and Iraq and U.S. troops stationed there.
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