President Joe Biden’s unannounced visit to Ukraine on Monday marked a defiant display of Western solidarity with a country still fighting a “brutal and unjust war” more than a year after Russia’s invasion. As the anniversary of the invasion approaches, Biden’s trip aimed to underscore the United States’ commitment to standing with Ukraine “as long as it takes” to repel Russian forces.
Biden spent over five hours in Kyiv, consulting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on next steps, honoring the country’s fallen soldiers, and meeting with US embassy staff. During their meeting, Zelensky pressed Biden to speed up the delivery of promised weapon systems and provide fighter jets, which Biden declined to do.
The US President received a firsthand look at the devastation caused by the Russian invasion, which has resulted in thousands of Ukrainian troops and civilians killed, millions of refugees fleeing the war, and significant infrastructure damage. Biden praised Ukraine’s resilience, saying, “Freedom is priceless. It’s worth fighting for as long as it takes.”
Biden’s visit came at a crucial moment, as Ukraine prepares for potential spring offensives and Western support may be softening. The trip also marked a symbolic rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had hoped to quickly overrun Kyiv. Biden recalled speaking with Zelensky on the night of the invasion, saying, “That dark night one year ago, the world was literally bracing for the fall of Kyiv. Perhaps even the end of Ukraine.”
Joe Biden (Via Joe Biden/Twitter)
Putin’s war of conquest is far from won, and Ukraine remains steadfast in its determination to defend its sovereignty. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Biden and the American people for their support, saying, “We’ll do it.” Biden reassured the Ukrainian leader, promising long-term support, saying, “That’s how long we’re going to be with you, Mr President, for as long as it takes.”
The US President’s visit to Ukraine was notable not only for its timing but also for its complexity. The US military does not have a presence in Ukraine, making Biden’s trip more challenging than recent visits by other US leaders to war zones. Still, Biden’s commitment to Ukraine and its people has been unwavering, and his visit served as a powerful reminder of the United States’ continued support for freedom and democracy.
