Biden makes unannounced trip to Kyiv ahead of war’s anniversary

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Joe Biden shake hands before a meeting, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 20, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

KYIV — U.S. President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Monday, a major show of support ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion which has seen Moscow launch a massive assault across frontlines in the east.

Air raid sirens blared across the Ukrainian capital as Biden visited Kyiv, but there were no reports of Russian missiles or air strikes.

President Volodymyr Zelenksiy said he and Biden discussed long-range weapons during the visit. The White House said Biden would announce more sanctions on Russia and military support for Ukraine.

READ: Speed up support for Ukraine, Zelensky pleads

Biden arrived in the Ukrainian capital a day before President Vladimir Putin was due to make a major address, expected to set out Russia’s aims for the second year of the invasion he launched on Feb 24 last year.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walk next to Saint Michael’s cathedral, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

The anniversary has taken on more than symbolic significance, becoming what the West views as motivation for the war’s deadliest phase as Moscow hurls thousands of conscripts and mercenaries into a winter offensive.

Russia has secured only scant gains so far in assaults in frozen trenches up and down the eastern front in recent weeks. Kyiv and the West see it as a push to give Putin victories to tout a year after he launched Europe’s biggest war since World War Two.

RELATED STORIES

Alongside Zelenskiy, Biden calls for global unity on Ukraine to continue in 2023

US first lady Jill Biden makes unannounced visit to Ukraine