On the 20th (local time), four days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, for the first time since the outbreak of war, Reuters and AFP reported.
According to reports, air raid alarms went off several times that day in Kiiue, where President Biden is staying. However, there are no immediate reports of Russian missile or drone strikes.
AFP reported, “President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walked out of St. Michael’s Cathedral without any embarrassment while the air raid alarm sounded.”
President Biden, who visited Kiiu without prior notice, presented a new military aid package worth $500 million (about 648.75 billion won) to Ukraine that day, revealing strong solidarity with Ukraine.
On the other hand, it issued a warning against Russia, saying that new sanctions would be imposed later this week.
President Zelensky said that he discussed long-range weapons at a meeting with President Biden. The new military package to be supported by the US includes high-speed mobile artillery rocket system (HIMARS) ammunition as well as major equipment such as artillery shells, anti-armor systems, and anti-aircraft surveillance radars.
“It is a clear sign that Russia’s attempt to win (in this war) is hopeless,” Zelensky said in response to the US military promise, saying, “Together, we will protect our cities and people from the horrors of Russia.” .
President Biden said, “The United States will stand on the side of Ukraine even if it takes time.” “Your visit is a very important sign of support for all Ukrainians,” Zelensky replied.
President Biden said he had a history of visiting No. 6 Kiiwu during his vice-presidential term in the former administration of Barack Obama. At the same time, he trembled, saying, “I knew I would return (to Kiiue).”
The two laid a wreath and paid a silent tribute at the memorial wall for the heroes who died in the war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, according to AFP, President Biden will give a speech in Warsaw, the capital of Poland the next day, about the unprecedented efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to help Ukraine on the first anniversary of the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is also preparing to give a speech in Moscow on the same day, the news agency said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.