Kiev
Vladimir Zelensky originally proposed to hold a meeting closer to the Polish border, in Lviv. Joe Biden finally preferred everything that the visit to Kiev has symbolism. The American president arrived by train at 8 o’clock on Monday morning. The war made it common for a foreign head of state to travel by rail to Ukraine. The head of railway services of Ukraine Alexander Kamyshin called this trip ” “iron diplomacy”.
But today’s guest remains exceptional. The first support of Ukraine against Russia is visiting Kiev for the first time not only since the beginning of the war, but also since 2008. Moreover, the date of this arrival is remarkable, to say the least. The first year of the war, this February 20 also marks the anniversary of the Maidan revolution in 2014, when the pro-Russian president Yanukovych was removed from power.
On this day, security measures were especially strengthened in the capital of Ukraine. All morning, Kiev traffic freezes, it is said in parts of the motorcade of Biden and Zelensky. Since dawn, the district adjacent to the Saint-Michel-au-Dom-d’Or monastery is completely locked, and it is impossible to pass the checkpoints. Two days ago, local residents were visited by armed men, members of the SBU (secret service of Ukraine). Phones were searched and contact lists combed for a potentially suspicious Russian number. Another precaution, but not least. A few hours before Joe Biden’s arrival in Ukraine, the White House warned the Kremlin about this arrival, according to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. “We gave the Russians a good warning that President Biden will go to Kiev. We did it a few hours before he left.’
SEE ALSO – Biden announces additional arms supplies from Kiev to Ukraine
Roar of sirens
In the Mariin Palace, the seat of the Ukrainian presidency, Biden confirmed his loyalty to Ukraine. “I thought it was important that there be no doubt about American support for Ukraine in the war. I am here to show our unwavering support for the nation’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. (in Ukrainian).» Zelensky thanked the US president for coming there “The most difficult moment”.and considered that this “The exchange brings us closer to victory.” Various announcements were made by Biden, including $500 million in armaments “Artillery Ammunition, Spears and Radars” as well as increased sanctions against Russia. But nothing was said about the next-generation fighter jets and long-range missiles that Kiev has been asking for for a long time.
This mixture of gratitude and desire for more weapons is systematic, always inspired by the idea that Ukraine is fighting for itself as much as for Europe and the West.
The choice of Saint-Michel-au-Dôme-d’Or as a second destination is not trivial. In addition to being a closed place that is easy to control, the monastery is also the seat of the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church, which broke with the Church of Moscow in 2018. As Biden and Zelensky leave the monastery together, an airstrike alert goes off. has been launched. The two presidents, however, did not hurry and quietly headed towards the outer walls of Saint Michel. Dozens of meters are plastered with hundreds of faces of Ukrainian soldiers killed in battle. The blare of sirens is barely drowned out by Ukrainian soldiers who play Taps, the military bell used for the funerals of American soldiers. Two wreaths are placed under portraits of men who died not a year ago, but what Ukrainians consider the real start of the current conflict. The Donbas war in 2014. Before parting ways, Biden and Zelensky exchange one last hug. The American president is leaving for his embassy.
Mourning look
Policemen and soldiers are gradually dispersing. Normal life is returning around the monastery. Two categories of passers-by can be guessed: the curious who hope to see what Biden left and those who came with their flowers, carnations, which they laid in memory of those who died for Ukraine. The vast majority of Kyivites had planned to commemorate today martyrs Maidan and Donbass. But Biden’s reception in Kiev also received the air of a funeral. Mikhailov is a veteran and holds cloves in his withered hands. “I came to pay my respects. I have been fighting since the beginning, from the Maidan. Facing this devil that is Russia…” He adds: “Yes, America is our ally, but Ukraine is not fighting for itself. He is fighting to prevent Russian tanks from rolling down the streets of the West. We need even more weapons.”
Two teenagers watch the scene. Just curious, their hands are empty. “Biden is number one.” Bogdan exclaims. But the teenager, in turn, adds: “We still need more weapons…” A man waves a sign in the distance “F16 for Ukraine” ; another grabs his shoulder and then sings the Ukrainian national anthem. This mixture of gratitude and desire for more weapons is systematic, always inspired by the idea that Ukraine is fighting for itself as much as for Europe and the West. As of 2 p.m., Biden is said to be returning to Poland, a country that NATO has long considered its “eastern military wing.” Since Biden’s arrival in Kiev, the eastern military wing seems to have moved a bit further east.
SEE ALSO – One year of war in Ukraine. ten dates that marked the conflict
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.