On February 20, 2023, the President of the United, Joe Biden, made a surprise visit to Ukraine, for the first time since the conflict started. For security reasons, the president is traveling on the train from Poland to Ukraine. His travel plans had not been made public before his arrival, and only two journalists are allowed with the president. The total visit duration is 24 hours, it’s the first time since 1868 that when U.S. President has traveled to an active conflict zone not controlled by the American military. The Pentagon and the Secret Service opposed the visit. Biden announced another $500 million in military assistance to Ukraine. the package would include more military equipment, such as artillery ammunition, more javelins, and Howitzers and new sanctions will impose on Russia next week. Biden’s Surprise visit to Ukraine helps Ukraine to boost morale and a clear message to Russia that America is with Ukraine. The White House published a statement about Ukraine’s visit on its website
Background of this Visit
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, United State is the largest supporter of Ukraine throughout the year and committing over US $27 billion in security assistance since the invasion began.
United State Secret Service and Pentagon opposed Biden’s visit to Ukraine. The meeting is possible near the Polish border but then Biden decides to visit the actual conflict zone and surprise everyone.
Visit with high Secrecy
This is the high secret visit Biden, Reportedly Biden had dinner with his wife on Saturday in Washington, and later at 4:15 A.M. ET on February 19, 2023, Biden departed the White House and traveled to Joint Base Andrews for a flight to Rzeszow, Poland, Biden travel on Boeing C-32A with a refueling stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to Rzeszow and then transfer by car to Przemysl, Biden later took a 10 hours train from the Polish border to reach the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, the same method was used by many world leaders visited Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. The Russian government was informed prior to Biden’s visit. Biden’s visit to the capital is around five hours, Biden was transported in a black limousine rather than the usual armored presidential car. During the visit, Biden met with the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. reporters aboard were not allowed to carry their devices with them.
Joint press conference with Zelenskyy
Biden had a joint press conference with Zelenskyy at the Ukrainian Presidential palace. Biden’s statement that The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.
Military aid announcement
Biden announced an additional military aid package for Ukraine, worth US$500 million and including ammunition for the HIMARS rocket launcher system, artillery ammunition, more javelins, and Howitzers.
Concerns over China’s support for Russia
After Russia invaded Ukraine, new questions are rising over China’s potential willingness to offer military aid to Russia in the increasingly drawn-out conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China is considering providing arms and ammunition to Russia, this is a “serious problem.”
China has refused to criticize Russia for its actions. The question now is whether China is willing to convert that rhetorical backing into material support.
Reaction of World
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the visit as an effort to increase the “huge quantities” of weapons and money already sent to Ukraine.
Many of Russia’s military experts reacted with anger or embarrassment.
Journalist Sergey Mardan wrote that it was a “demonstrative humiliation of Russia.”
Analysts as well as Polish President Andrzej Duda saw the trip as an important morale boost for the Ukrainian soldiers. After news of the visit broke, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced $5.5 billion in new financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Conclusion
Biden’s Surprise visit to Ukraine is a clear message to Russia that America is with Ukraine.
America Helps Ukraine with military aid of US $ 500 Million.