President Biden arrived in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv early Monday morning in a surprise visit just ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.
Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The trip is the first time Biden has traveled to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion one year ago.
Biden was expected to visit Poland on Monday to mark the one-year anniversary since the war began.
GAETZ INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO END MILITARY AND FINANCIAL AID TO UKRAINE, URGE PEACE DEAL
Biden said in a statement he visited Ukraine to meet with Zelenskyy and “reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
He said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “dead wrong” in believing Ukraine was weak he launched his invasion a year ago.
“I am meeting with President Zelenskyy and his team for an extended discussion on our support for Ukraine,” Biden said. “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. And I will share that later this week, we will announce additional sanctions against elites and companies that are trying to evade or backfill Russia’s war machine.”
“Over the last year, the United States has built a coalition of nations from the Atlantic to the Pacific to help defend Ukraine with unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian support – and that support will endure,” he continued.
Biden also said he is looking forward to meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda and the leaders of our Eastern Flank Allies as the U.S. looks to continue rallying the world to support Ukraine.
Sirens could be heard in war-torn Ukraine as Biden arrived in the country. The U.S. has already supported Ukraine with millions of dollars and military equipment.
Russia has continued its attack despite Western sanctions and losses on the battlefield in terms of controlled areas and loss of life. Ukraine has also received military equipment from several countries supporting its defense against Moscow’s invasion.
A number of U.S. lawmakers have said supporting Ukraine should be a top priority, but some have criticized decisions to continue giving financial aid without proper oversight.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for more details.
