US President Joseph Biden is visiting Kyiv on February 20.
Biden was spotted near St. Michael’s Cathedral. To the sounds of air raids, the US president honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
Later, the fact that the US president is in Kyiv was officially confirmed by Zelensky in Telegram by publishing a joint photo with Biden.
Zelensky’s direct speech: “Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your visit is an extremely important manifestation of support for all Ukrainians.”
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The Washington Post called Biden’s visit “unexpected, dramatic and risky.”
Literally: “On Monday, President Biden made a dramatic, unannounced visit to Kyiv, demonstrating strong American support for Ukraine just four days before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
This risky visit to the Ukrainian capital, which is under the threat of missile attacks, shows the continued commitment of the United States, the largest financial and military sponsor of Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian invaders on its territory.”
The publication notes that a strict security regime was introduced in the capital of Ukraine, car traffic was stopped, and even pedestrians could not enter some streets.
Shortly after that, an air raid siren went off in the city. An air alert has been declared throughout the territory of Ukraine.
The New York Times reported that Biden arrived in Kyiv by train. The visit to Kyiv took place secretly for security reasons.
Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak called Biden’s visit “strategic”.
Yermak’s direct speech: “Believe me, Joe Biden’s visit is strategic. A lot of issues are being resolved and those that have been pending will be expedited.
Our common goal is the victory of Ukraine over Russia and the triumph of Ukrainian soldiers and Western weapons.”
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What happened before: On the morning of February 20 in Kyiv, the streets in the city center, near the US embassy, as well as the roads from the embassy to the central railway station were blocked.
“Novyny Donbasu” reported with reference to eyewitnesses that in Kyiv, Beresteyskyi Avenue (formerly Peremogy – ed.) and Lesya Ukrainka Boulevard were blocked. Eyewitnesses posted a video showing how a motorcade, the basis of which was made up of American SUVs, drove along this route.
Representatives of the authorities – neither Ukrainian nor American – did not announce Biden’s arrival. These security measures are quite understandable in times of war.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that a visit from one of Ukraine’s “main” Western partners is expected in Kyiv, the deputy minister promised a “surprise”.
