We stand with Ukraine, side by side: Joe Biden

Joe Biden affirms America’s ‘unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity’.

Joe Biden affirmed America’s “unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” during the US President’s surprise visit to Kyiv, paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers amid a cacophony of air raid sirens.

Mr Biden was accompanied by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in a high-security walk through Kyiv’s central square and surrounding areas on Monday night (AEDT) ahead of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“When (Vladimir) Putin launched his invasion nearly one year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us. But he was dead wrong,” Mr Biden said in a statement issued to coincide with the visit.

“Today, in Kyiv, I am meeting with President Zelensky and his team for an extended discussion on our support for Ukraine. I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including ­artillery ammunition, anti-­armour systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments.

“And I will share that, later this week, we will announce ­additional sanctions against elites and companies that are trying to evade or backfill Russia’s war machine.”

Joe Biden with Volodymyr Zelensky at St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv. Picture: Getty Images

The visit, which was kept ­secret until footage of the two leaders was shared on social media, came ahead of Friday’s anniver­sary of Russia beginning its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Biden’s visit is highly symbolic, sending a message to Russia – and its potential weapons supplier, China – that the US and its Western allies are unwavering in their commitment to support Ukraine.

Early in his visit, Mr Biden was paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers when sirens were heard across the Ukrainian capital.

Ukrainian parliamentarian Lesia Vasylenko tweeted that the sirens were a welcome call for the President. She said: “Yes, confirmed @POTUS in #Kyiv. Welcome Mr President! Looking forward to the announcements following the air raid sirens ­experience.”

She added:” Sirens are greeting the very honourable guest from the #USA in #Kyiv right now. Decision on F-16 for #Ukraine to follow.’’

Joe Biden with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Ukrainian presidential palace on Monday night. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Zelensky has urged the West to supply fighter jets to push back any Russian offensive, but the European response has been only lukewarm on the idea. Britain and the EU suggested the jets could be used for longer-term ­security of the country. NATO has been trying to focus Western countries on shoring up ammunition supplies and delivering on promises of providing tanks.

Mr Biden said the US had built “a coalition of nations from the Atlantic to the Pacific to help ­defend Ukraine with unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian support – and that support will endure”.

News that the US has intelligence China may be looking to enter the fray by supplying military hardware and ammunition to help bolster Russia’s declining stocks may compel the US to offer more support.