Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
On February 20, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Ukraine’s capital.
He was spotted with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Mykhailivska Square, Kyiv.
As air raid sirens wailed on, Biden paid tribute to soldiers killed while defending Ukraine.
Joe Biden arrived in Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the visit of his American counterpart.
"Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians," he wrote on Telegram.
What Zelenskyy and Biden talked about
Sources report that Zelenskyy and Biden talked about long-range weapons and weapons that could be given to Ukraine, even though they haven’t been supplied before.
Thus, Ukraine will receive a $500 million aid package, which will be announced tomorrow, February 21, 2023.
"Today, in Kyiv, I am meeting with President Zelenskyy and his team for an extended discussion on our support for Ukraine. I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments. And I will share that later this week, we will announce additional sanctions against elites and companies that are trying to evade or backfill Russia’s war machine," the U.S. president stated.
Joe Biden also commented on his visit and the announcement of future aid.
"When Putin launched his invasion nearly one year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us. But he was dead wrong. Over the last year, the United States has built a coalition of nations from the Atlantic to the Pacific to help defend Ukraine with unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian support — and that support will endure," Joseph Biden wrote on Twitter.
What Biden said about Putin
According to Biden, Vladimir Putin wanted "the West to be divided." He counted on the inability of NATO member states to stay united in supporting Ukraine.
"He was counting on us not sticking together. I don’t think he’s thinking that right now. God knows what he’s thinking, but I don’t think he’s thinking that. But he’s just been plain wrong," he said.
Biden stated that Russia was striving to wipe Ukraine off the map, but Putin’s war of conquest was failing. He added that Russia’s economy was "struggling".
What Biden wrote at Mariinskyi Palace
U.S. President Joe Biden paid tribute to the "courage and leadership" of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"I am honored to be welcomed again in Kyiv to stand in solidarity and friendship with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine, Mr. President. Please accept my deepest respect for your courage and leadership. Slava Ukraini!" he wrote in the guestbook at Mariinskiy Palace.
Why Biden’s visit is important for Ukraine
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the talks between his team and the team of President Joe Biden in Kyiv were a major boost to his country.
"This conversation brings us closer to victory. The results of this visit will surely be seen and will surely have a reflection on the battlefield and in liberating our territories," said Zelenskyy.
Ukraine’s leader also called President Biden’s surprise visit "the most important visit in the whole history of the Ukraine-U.S. relationship."