Biden Recommits to Ukraine Amid Domestic Tradegy
President Joe Biden, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday, one year after Russia invaded Ukraine. Because of the ongoing war, the trip was masked in secrecy as the U.S. has no military presence in Ukraine.
Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and walked around St. Michael’s Cathedral as air raid sirens sounded. Biden promised a new aid package that includes anti-tank missiles and Howitzers, as well as a new round of sanctions on Moscow. Zelensky visited Biden in Washington back in December and had reportedly invited Biden to visit Kyiv. “One year later, Kyiv stands,” Biden said. “And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands.”
Today, President Biden is in Kyiv to reaffirm America’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The United States of America will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes. pic.twitter.com/1IJuCcsVJd
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 20, 2023
Republicans have questioned the timing of the visit, as it comes a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a speech marking the first anniversary of the war. Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has estimated that 100,000 soldiers along with as many as 40,000 civilians have died on both sides. And millions of Ukrainians have fled the country.
Some have also voiced concerns about Biden’s decision to visit Ukraine while the war is ongoing. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was among the top aides who accompanied Biden, they left Joint Base Andrews at 4:15 a.m. ET on Sunday. Reporters who traveled with Biden were not allowed to carry phones or tablets. A secret trip to another country while many of our own are suffering in places like East Palestine, OH.
Even though he has stated that his visit was intended to underscore U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense, some say it is simply a political move. Despite the criticism, Biden has vowed to stand by Ukraine and to stand up to Putin. He has stated that the evidence of U.S. support for Ukraine is right there in the room and that Putin has been proven wrong in his assumptions about the West being divided.
The war in Ukraine has had a devastating effect on the country, and the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. However, Republicans would likely argue that the U.S. should focus on its problems before getting involved in international conflicts.
