US President Biden on Surprise Visit to Ukraine
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Residents of Kiev knew something was amiss when central avenues were cordoned off and a motorcade of over a dozen vehicles sped through the Ukrainian capital on Monday morning. Minutes later the news broke: US President Joe Biden was visiting the war-torn country.
The surprise visit came days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion, on Feb. 24, 2022. Biden was photographed taking a stroll through downtown Kiev with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelesnky.
Biden reportedly decided on the public visit over safer options, such as meeting in the eastern city of Lviv or at a secret location. It is as yet unclear whether Biden has come to Ukraine with any fresh proposals to aid the embattled east European nation. Since the beginning of Biden’s administration, the US has sent over $24.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
According to a statement released by Biden after news broke, the visit’s goal is to “meet with President Zelensky and reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
Biden’s Vice President, Kamala Harris, spoke at the Munich Security Conference, which ended yesterday, where she called the Russian invasion “crimes against humanity,” and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.