President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday, in a dramatic show of solidarity with Ukraine’s leader, President Volodymyr Zelensky, days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.
The visit, Mr. Biden’s first, was a closely guarded secret. Air Force One departed from Washington in darkness early on Sunday morning. The security considerations associated with this trip were complicated by the absence of a U.S. military presence on the ground.
The president’s appearance in the streets of Kyiv with Mr. Zelensky was a stark diplomatic act in a week of high stakes public positioning by an array of world leaders.
In remarks at Mariinsky Palace, Mr. Biden emphasised the resilience of Ukraine, and he made the case for continued spending by the West to support Ukraine’s efforts to oust Russian forces.
‘One year later, Kyiv stands. And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands,’ Mr. Biden said.
Air sirens sounded as Messrs. Biden and Zelensky walked outside St. Michael’s Cathedral, a complex of sky-blue and golden buildings that for the past decade has served as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
Mr. Biden announced $460 million of additional military aid to Ukraine including a range of munitions, Javelin anti-armour systems, infantry-support vehicles, communication equipment and medical supplies. Mr. Biden said additional sanctions would be announced targeting institutions that have sought to evade existing penalties on Russian banks.
‘I thought it was critical that there not be any doubt, none whatsoever, about U.S. support for Ukraine in the war,’ Mr. Biden said.