The clandestine nature of the trip points to the dangers of America's commander-in-chief visiting Ukraine amid continuing bombardment, as Russia continued firing missiles into the country hoping to break an impasse as the war enters its second year. Air raid sirens sounded while Biden was on the ground.
It is the first time in modern history that a U.S. president has entered a war zone where there is not an active American military presence. Ukrainian police and military had a strong presence and much of the central part of Kyiv was shut down, paralyzing traffic nearby.
Biden's appearance in Ukraine is a strong statement that the U.S. stands with Zelenskyy despite growing pressure at home to downsize American aid.
Just so we're clear, Joe Biden is walking through the streets of Kyiv with Volodymyr Zelensky a year after Russia invaded Ukraine as air raid sirens go off as Russia attacks Ukraine.
— HawaiiDelilah™ (@HawaiiDelilah) February 20, 2023
Happy President's Day and may Ukraine bring Russia to its knees. pic.twitter.com/OYV8xjioUV
The US notified Russians several hours before the trip that Biden would be traveling to Kyiv, for deconfliction purposes, NSA Sullivan tells reporters. The risk was able to be brought to a "manageable level" which satisfied Biden & he ultimately decided to go during a Friday mtg.
— Kylie Atwood (@kylieatwood) February 20, 2023