Joe Biden affirms his “unwavering” support for Ukraine and promises new arms deliveries.
Joe Biden arrived in Kyiv for a surprise visit four days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He travelled there a day before President Vladimir Putin was due to deliver a major speech, expected to outline Russia’s goals for the second year of the invasion launched on February 24, 2022.
“As the world prepares to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, I am in Kyiv today to meet President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and this Joe Biden in a press release. “I will announce a new delivery of essential equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-tank systems, and air surveillance radars, to protect the people of Ukraine from aerial bombardment”, he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had discussed long-range weapons with Joe Biden, while the US president announced he would launch new sanctions against Russia this week.
Joe Biden was expected in Poland at the start of the week and is due to meet his counterpart, Andrzej Duda, and allies from Eastern Europe on Tuesday during this trip.
Ukrainian authorities also triggered aerial warning sirens across the country on Monday, but no missile launches or drone attacks were immediately reported.
President says the US will stand with Ukraine “as long as necessary” and announces new sanctions against Russia. The President announced additional aid of $500 million, the details of which will be communicated in the coming days. This aid will also include more military equipment, including artillery ammunition, Javelins, and howitzers. This visit is an “extremely important sign of support, “ Volodymyr Zelensky.
