---
title: "Biden makes surprise visit to Kyiv to meet Zelenskiy before war anniversary"
description: "U.S. President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Monday and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, days before the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "WATCH"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-20-u-s-president-biden-meets-zelenskiy-in-kyiv-visits-before-war-anniversary/"
published: "2023-02-20T12:33:26"
updated: "2023-02-20T14:19:39"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 306
---

# Biden makes surprise visit to Kyiv to meet Zelenskiy before war anniversary

> U.S. President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Monday and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, days before the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

By Reuters · Published 20 February 2023, 14:33 SAST · Updated 20 February 2023, 16:19 SAST

## Key points
- Joe Biden visited Kyiv, Ukraine on Tuesday to demonstrate the US' commitment to the country and to strengthen ties with the nation. Air raid sirens sounded throughout the city during his visit, though no Russian missile or air strikes were reported. Biden reassured Ukrainian President Zelenskiy that the US would stand with them "as long as it takes". The visit was seen as an important sign of support for all Ukrainians. Biden's visit is expected to lead to further cooperation between the US and Ukraine in a variety of areas, including security and economic development.
- Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv as Biden visited, but no Russian missile or air strikes were reported.
- Biden declared Washington's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
- Zelenskiy thanked Biden for his visit, calling it an "important sign of support".
- Max Hunder reported on the visit, with Tom Balmforth writing and Timothy Heritage editing.

## Content

KYIV, Feb 20 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden announced new military aid for Ukraine during an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital on Monday, showing solidarity with Kyiv days before the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Air raid sirens blared across the Ukrainian capital as Biden visited Kyiv for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but there were no reports of Russian missile or air strikes.

Biden said Washington would stand with Ukraine as long as it takes. The United States has been by far the largest supplier of military assistance to help Ukraine repel better-equipped Russian invaders.

"Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians," Zelenskiy said.

Biden said Washington would provide Kyiv with a new military aid package worth [$500 million](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-president-biden-makes-surprise-visit-to-ukraine-ahead-of-war-anniversary-101676887928119.html) that would be announced on Tuesday. He said it would include more ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.

In a speech, Biden commended Ukraine's courage during the war and noted that he had visited Kyiv six times when he had earlier served as vice president.

"I knew I would be back," he said.

The air raid sirens wailed while Zelenskiy and Biden were inside the St Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral on a square in central Kyiv where burnt-out Russian tanks have been placed.

Ukraine is preparing for what it expects to be a major new Russian offensive that some military analysts say is already under way.

Biden's trip fell on the day that Ukraine marks the deaths of more than 100 people - now known as the Heavenly Hundred - at anti-government protests that eventually toppled a Moscow-backed president in 2014.

*Read more: ["What could — and should — the Ukraine war cost South Africa?"](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-12-what-could-and-should-the-ukraine-war-cost-south-africa/)*

"Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians," Zelenskiy said. **DM**