Ukraine: US President Mr. Joe Biden paid a surprise visit to Kyiv and pledged increased arms delivery and unwavering support for Ukraine prior to the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the nation.
Mr. Biden met Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky during the US president’s first visit to the nation since Russian troops invaded on 24th February 2022, as air raid sirens wailed around the capital. Military police in uniform from Ukraine lined the street outside. While a military salute sounded and the two presidents stared at each other in silence for a little while, Mr. Biden and Zelensky crossed the street and together laid a wreath at the Wall of Memorial for the Russian-Ukrainian War’s fallen heroes.
Historic. Timely. Brave. I welcomed @POTUS in Kyiv as Russian full-scale aggression approaches its one-year mark. I am thankful to the U.S. for standing with Ukraine and for our strong partnership. We are determined to work together to ensure Ukraine’s victory. pic.twitter.com/EPtH3fLWWD
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 20, 2023
More arms shipments to Ukraine were promised by Mr. Biden, who also pledged Washington’s “unflagging commitment” to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments,” Mr. Biden was quoted as saying in a White House statement.
More shells are reportedly being consumed by Ukraine each month than the EU defence sector is currently able to generate. Mr. Zelensky praised Mr. Biden’s trip as a crucial demonstration of solidarity. Beijing reacted angrily to American allegations that China was considering arming Russia to help it in its conflict in Ukraine as the visit took place.