US President Joe Biden arrived in Ukraine on Monday under the strictest security measures. Ahead of a planned trip to Poland, the Democrat came to the capital Kyiv on Monday – his first visit to the country since the start of Russia’s offensive war almost exactly a year ago. Biden also met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy there. There was a symbolic handshake and an impromptu hug between the two.
Biden and Zelenskyj together commemorated the fallen Ukrainians. During the US president’s stay in Kiev, there was an air raid siren. The visit of the US president was not canceled for security reasons.
In recent weeks, there has been speculation that Biden could combine his trip to Poland with a visit to Ukraine. However, the White House had repeatedly stated that this was not planned. But high-level trips to crisis areas are usually kept secret until the last minute.
Numerous heads of state and government, as well as ministers from other countries, had already visited Ukraine in the past few months since the start of the war – sometimes several times. There were also several members of the US government, as well as Biden’s wife Jill. Biden has never been to Ukraine as president. It generally has significantly higher security requirements.
Visit with high symbolic value
The fact that he planned his visit just before the first anniversary of the outbreak of war has great symbolic value – as a sign of support from the most important and powerful ally. The Americans had rapidly launched several packages of weapons and ammunition worth billions in recent months.
Biden and his administration have pledged to support Ukraine in the long run – for as long as it takes. US government headquarters also issued this as the core message for Biden’s visit to Poland. Now he personally delivered them to Kiev.
Meloni also wants to travel to Kiev
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected in Warsaw on Monday afternoon, where she will meet Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. She will then travel to Kiev to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, government sources in Rome said Monday.
Meloni, 46, who has been in office since October, had announced she would travel to Ukraine before February 24, the anniversary of the outbreak of war. “I had very good conversations with Meloni. We have received a support package from Italy and I thank her very much for her position. I am waiting for her, I know she will come,” Zelenskyy said in an interview with Rai 1 on Sunday night.
First anniversary of the Russian invasion
February 24 marks the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the attack, Russia not only plunged Ukraine into war, but also shook the world order. An end to the war is still a long way off.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
