Surprise visit to Kiev: Biden announces new arms shipments

US President Biden announced further arms deliveries in Kiev. For the Ukrainian President Selenskyj, the surprising short visit was an “extremely important sign of support”.

It is a state visit under special circumstances – the US President gets to feel that soon after his arrival. The sirens are wailing in Kyiv. There is an air alert, as in the whole of Ukraine. Because apparently Russian fighter jets had taken off in neighboring Belarus.

However, Joe Biden does not disappear into the air-raid shelter, but appears on the open street: together with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, he visits the memorial for fallen soldiers at St. Michael’s Monastery.

Ammunition, rocket launchers and howitzers promised

At a joint press conference, he promised additional military aid worth half a billion dollars. According to the news channel CNN, it should include ammunition, rocket launchers and howitzers. Above all, Biden wants to send a strong signal: “Every day you and all Ukrainians remind the world what the word ‘courage’ means. You remind us that freedom has no price. That you have to fight for it , as long as necessary. And that’s how long we’ll be with you, Mr. President.”

Biden previously tweeted that his visit to Kiev was intended to show his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity. And further: “When Putin attacked Ukraine almost a year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided.” Putin was badly mistaken.

Important time of the visit

For Zelensky, the visit comes at an important time: This week marks the anniversary of the Russian invasion. Many in Ukraine are wondering what Vladimir Putin is planning militarily for the coming days and weeks – and how well the country is prepared for it. And then there are the reports that Russia may be getting military aid from China. Selenskyj can use Washington’s backing more than ever.

The conversation went very positively: “It was a conversation that really brings us closer to winning this war together. We can and we must make 2023 the year of victory.” Zelenskyy further emphasizes that “this unprovoked and criminal war against Ukraine, Europe and against the entire democratic world must end with the liberation of the Russian-occupied territories and with long-term security guarantees.”

Biden fuels many hopes

Biden’s visit was well received in Ukraine: “It’s great that he supports Ukraine and all of us. I think this support will speed up the delivery of military technology and weapons,” says Sofia from Kiev. And Jewhen, in his early 30s, from Kiev says: “I see it positively, the USA are our partners, they supply weapons so that we can defend our independence with dignity.”

Biden’s visit fuels many hopes in Ukraine. Because everyone here knows that support from Europe is important. But the country’s largest arms supplier is still the United States.