On Monday, February 20, US President Joe Biden arrived on an unannounced visit to Kyiv.

Photos of the appearance of the head of the White House on the streets of the Ukrainian capital were first published by the media, then footage of Biden's meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appeared on the official accounts of the Ukrainian head of state on social networks.

This happened around 13:00 Moscow time.

Messages about Biden's visit were published against the backdrop of notifications of air raid alerts in Ukraine.

As noted in Reuters, at the same time, no strikes on Ukrainian territory were reported.

The American media published several reports detailing Biden's trip.

In particular, according to The New York Times, the head of the White House arrived in Kyiv after a "many hours" journey by train.

In turn, Politico reported that Biden's trip was prepared in a "very short period of time", about a week.

It should be noted that back on February 17, the coordinator of strategic communications at the US National Security Council, John Kirby, said that Biden, who planned a trip to Poland this week, did not have a meeting with Zelensky on his schedule.

Shortly after the appearance in the media of photos with Biden in Kyiv, the White House released a statement by the American leader.

The President spoke about his intentions to provide further support to Ukraine, and also announced new anti-Russian sanctions and arms supplies.

“I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-tank systems and air surveillance radar, designed to protect the Ukrainian population from aerial bombardment,” Biden said in a statement.

According to the President of the United States, he arrived in Kyiv to reaffirm "an unwavering and unrelenting commitment to democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

Biden said that over the past year, the United States has built "a coalition of nations from the Atlantic to the Pacific to help defend Ukraine through unprecedented military, economic and humanitarian support."

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Biden said in a press conference later that there would be “difficult days, weeks and years ahead,” but he said the United States would support Kiev “for as long as it takes.”

Zelensky, in turn, said that Biden's visit is "an important signal of support for Ukraine."

According to the press service of the Ukrainian president, after the introduction of the members of the Ukrainian and American delegations, the leaders talked in a face-to-face format.

According to CNN, one of the subjects of discussion between Biden and Zelensky was the possible supply of long-range weapons to Kyiv.

Note that around 15:00 Moscow time, the media reported Biden's departure to Poland.

Sergei Tsekov, a member of the Federation Council committee on international affairs, said Biden's meeting with Zelensky in Kyiv is intended to demonstrate that they are not avoiding a possible escalation.

“They want to show that they are so brave, determined and not afraid of anything.

Including not afraid of escalation of the situation.

I think that's what it's all about.

Show alleged support for Zelensky and Ukraine.

An absolutely provocative decision, ”the senator said in an interview with RT.

In turn, the State Duma said that Biden's visit should demonstrate the point of view that "Zelensky is doing everything right."

This was stated in an interview with RT by the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Viktor Vodolatsky.

“The task that was assigned to Zelensky, it was completed.

There is only one task: to destroy the Orthodox, Slavic, Russian world as much as possible.

Therefore, Biden arrived to show Ukraine that “powerful and strong” America is with you,” the deputy said.

According to him, everything is being done only in order to "destroy Ukraine and make it a springboard for military operations against Russia."