China News Agency, Beijing, February 21. Comprehensive news: According to the Associated Press and other reports, US President Biden, who made a surprise visit to Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, on the 20th, left for Poland on the same day.
During this visit, Biden announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth US$500 million.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a State of the Nation Address on the 21st, which covered the progress of Russia's special military operations, assessment of the international situation, and new strategic directions.
Data map: US President Biden.
Photo/China News Agency reporter Sha Hanting
Biden leaves Kyiv for Poland
According to the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse citing sources from the US White House on the 20th, US President Biden, who made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev that day, "has left Kiev."
Biden's visit lasted more than five hours and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Reuters quoted Ukrainian sources as saying that Biden and Zelensky discussed the supply of long-range weapons and "weapons and equipment that have never been provided to Ukraine before" during the talks.
The Ukrainian National News Agency reported that Biden announced that the United States would provide Ukraine with a new package of military aid worth $500 million, including ammunition for the Seahorse multiple-launch rocket launcher and the "Javelin" anti-tank missile system.
Foreign media quoted the White House as saying that in the next few days, the United States will officially announce more details of the military aid to the outside world.
According to US media reports, a few hours before departure, the US notified Russia of Biden's plan to visit Kiev "to avoid any conflict."
The Russian Satellite News Agency quoted sources as saying that the US notified Russia of Biden's visit to Ukraine mainly for security purposes.
The Associated Press reported that after leaving Kiev, Biden went to Poland. On the 21st, he will deliver a speech on the first anniversary of the escalation of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in Poland.
Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials confirmed on the evening of the 20th that Biden arrived in Poland and will start an official visit to Poland on the 21st and hold a meeting with Polish President Duda.
Data map: Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin Delivers State of the Union Address
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a State of the Union address on the 21st.
Russian media such as the Russian Satellite News Agency broadcast live video and text.
According to Russian media reports, this is the first State of the Union address since the launch of Russia's special military operation.
Putin's speech involved the process of Russia's special military operations, assessment of the international situation and new strategic direction.
The Russian Satellite News Agency reported that Putin pointed out that he delivered the State of the Union address at Russia's "most difficult moment on the brink".
"The West wants to turn the regional conflict in Ukraine into a global confrontation," Putin said.
He also said that "it is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield."
IMF chief visits Kyiv
According to Ukraine's Interfax news agency, Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, arrived in Kiev on the 20th for a short-term visit.
According to reports, she stopped briefly in Kiev for one day on her way to India to attend the conference.
Georgieva met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmegal in Kiev, and the two sides discussed the financial support mechanism for Ukraine.
Shmegal said Ukraine was expected to receive more than $15 billion in financial support from the International Monetary Fund.
Data map: Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Photo by China News Agency reporter Sha Hanting
EU extends sanctions on Russia again
According to a report by the Russian Satellite News Agency on the 21st, official EU documents show that the EU Council approved the extension of sanctions against Russia until February 24, 2024.
According to the report, since the end of February 2022, the EU has approved 9 rounds of sanctions against Russia, including financial, trade and individual sanctions.
Currently, the EU's individual sanctions against Russia involve 1,386 individuals and 171 entities.
The Council of the European Union previously announced on January 27 that it would extend sanctions against Russia for six months until July 31, 2023.
The European Commission proposed the tenth round of sanctions against Russia on February 15.
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