Days ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden paid an unannounced visit to Kiev on Monday.
Monday was Biden’s first visit to Ukraine since the war began last February. Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressed US solidarity.
“A year later, Kiev is standing,” Biden said on Monday, standing next to Zelenskyy in the Mariinsky Palace. “And Ukraine is standing. Democracy stands. Americans are on your side and the world is on your side.”
Zelenskyy also welcomed Biden to his official Telegram channel on Monday, noting that the president’s visit “is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians.”
Biden’s visit comes at a crucial time in the ongoing war. For weeks, Ukrainian officials have been signaling that Russia may be planning a major new offensive planned around the one-year anniversary of last year’s invasion on February 24. Zelenskyy has also urged allies, including the US, for more arms and aid.
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On Monday, Biden also announced half a billion dollars in additional security aid to Ukraine. He said more details would be released in the coming days.
Here’s a look at Biden’s Monday visit to Kiev.
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an unannounced visit to the gold-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, February 20, 2023.
U.S. President Joe Biden, left, attends a wreath-laying ceremony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the memorial wall in front of the gold-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral during an unannounced visit in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, February 20, 2023 .
U.S. President Joe Biden writes in the guest book during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv on February 20, 2023.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrive for a meeting in Kiev on February 20, 2023.
President Joe Biden poses with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska, wife of President Zelenskyy, at the Mariinsky Palace during an unannounced visit to Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, February 20, 2023.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a joint news conference February 20, 2023 in Kiev.
U.S. President Joe Biden walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an unannounced visit to the gold-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, February 20, 2023.
U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv February 20, 2023.
US President Joe Biden is greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kiev on February 20, 2023.
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Featuring: Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY. The Associated Press.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden in Ukraine: President Visits Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kyiv – Photos
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