President Biden lands in Kyiv for surprise visit to war-torn country

‘Democracy stands’: President Biden lands in Kyiv for surprise visit to war-torn country ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion and announces $500 million of new weapons

• Biden said: ‘One year later, Kyiv stands. And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands.’ 
• BREAKING: More to follow 

By Rob Crilly, Senior U.S. Political Reporter For Dailymail.Com In Warsaw, Poland and David Averre

Published: 09:59 GMT, 20 February 2023 | Updated: 10:09 GMT, 20 February 2023

Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

His visit was shrouded in secrecy and he arrived with a stripped down traveling pool of just two reporters.

He met with President Zelensky at the Mariinsky Palace and announced half a billion dollars in extra assistance, including artillery,  ammunition, more Javelins and Howitzers. 

He said: ‘One year later, Kyiv stands. And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands.’

The US President was due to make a diplomatic visit to Poland over February 20-22 to meet with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw for discussions over a potential increase in US troops there.

US President Joe Biden is pictured alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv this morning

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