US President Joe Biden has made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, days before the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Air raid sirens blared across the Ukrainian capital as Mr Biden visited Kyiv but there were no reports of Russian missile or air strikes.
He delivered remarks and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mariinskyi Palace to announce an additional half billion dollars in US assistance and to reassure Ukraine of American and allied support as the conflict continues.
“One year later, Kyiv stands. And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands,” Mr Biden said.
The White House said Mr Biden would announce more sanctions on Russia and military support for Ukraine including artillery ammunition, anti-armour systems and air surveillance radars.
“Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians,” Mr Zelenskyy said, adding that he and Mr Biden discussed long-range weapons during the visit.
Mr Biden’s visit came a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin was due to make a major address, expected to set out his country’s aims for the second year of the invasion he launched on February 24 last year.
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. (ABC)
