U.S. President Joe Biden has made a surprise visit to Kyiv on February 20, just days ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of the country.
Russia Invades Ukraine
In Photos: Biden Visits Ukraine Days Ahead Of Invasion Anniversary
- By RFE/RL
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U.S. President Joe Biden is seen riding a train on the day of his surprise visit to Ukraine. He traveled by train from Poland to Kyiv for almost 10 hours.
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Biden arrives at a railway station in Kyiv before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
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Biden (center) poses with Zelenskiy (right) and Olena Zelenska at Mariynskiy Palace during his nannounced visit to Kyiv on February 20.
The visit took place several days ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's brutal invasion of the country.
The visit took place several days ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's brutal invasion of the country.
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Zelenskiy (right) leads Biden upstairs at the Mariynskiy Palace, where the two were expected to discuss the progress of the war.
In an earlier statement announcing the visit, Biden said he was reaffirming Washington's "unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
In an earlier statement announcing the visit, Biden said he was reaffirming Washington's "unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
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The U.S. president signs the guest book at the Mariynskiy Palace, the official residence of the Ukrainian president.
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Biden shakes hand with Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office.
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Zelenskiy later took Biden on a tour of the Walk of the Brave in Kyiv.
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The Walk of the Brave consists of nameplates recognizing those who have helped in the struggle against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Biden (left) and Zelenskiy attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine during the visit.
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Biden embraces Zelenskiy as they visit the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv to pay tribute to Ukrainian soldiers killed amid Russia's attack on Ukraine.
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The wreath placed by Biden at the memorial.
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During the visit, Zelenskiy took Biden on a sightseeing tour of St. Michael's Cathedral.
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Although he'd made many previous visits to Ukraine as U.S. vice president, this was Biden's first trip to the besieged country since the start of his presidency.
