President Joe Biden paid an unannounced visit to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Monday, the two leaders met in the Ukraine Royal Palace in Kyiv.
During the visit, Biden wrote in the palace guestbook that Kyiv has “captured a part of my heart.”
Biden continued:
“I am honored to be welcomed again in Kyiv. I stand in solidarity and friendship with the freedom loving people of Ukraine. Mr. President, please accept my deepest respect for your courage and leadership. Slava Ukraini!”
Biden wrote the note at the beginning of his brief, five-hour visit to Ukraine, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
During the visit, Biden also pledged an additional $500 million in military aid. The U.S. has already delivered more than $100 billion in assistance to Ukraine since Russia first invaded the country in February 2022.
Biden’s trip sparked criticism across America. Some expressed concern about the steep financial investment in Ukraine when America’s economy is struggling. Others criticized the president for visiting Ukraine when he chose not to visit those impacted by the horrific train derailment and toxic chemical spill in Ohio or make a meaningful trip to the southern border amid record surges of illegal immigrants.
The Biden administration’s refusal to provide FEMA aid to those impacted by the Ohio toxic chemical spill but provides billions in support to Ukraine has inflamed tempers.
Some members of Congress have said that supporting Ukraine should be a top priority for America. Still, others have criticized decisions that do not represent equal investment among NATO members or come with “proper oversight.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said America should not give Ukraine a “blank check.” In contrast, Biden has said they will support President Zelenskyy’s government for “as long as it takes.”
U.S. officials informed Russian leaders of Biden’s unplanned trip to Ukraine. No missile strikes occurred when Biden visited with Zelenskyy.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan reported: “We did notify the Russians that President Biden would be traveling to Kyiv. We did so some hours before his departure for de-confliction purposes.”
Sullivan did not reveal the Russian reaction to the announced visit.
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