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Under the strictest security precautions, US President Joe Biden has visited Ukraine for the first time since the Russian war of aggression began almost a year ago.
“As the world prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, I am in Kyiv today to meet with President Zelenskyy and reaffirm our unwavering and tireless commitment to Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity. «
Photo:
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service / dpa
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Despite the air alert, the two heads of state walked through the city together in the morning.
The US is Ukraine's main supporter in the war against Russia.
Selenskyj called the visit “historic.
Punctual.
Courageous.« And: »An extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians.«
Photo: Evan Vucci / dpa
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Biden and Zelenskyj in conversation with Metropolitan Epiphanius (left), head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which is independent of Moscow.
Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service / REUTERS
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Biden and Zelenskyj commemorated the fallen Ukrainians at the memorial wall in front of the cathedral with the golden dome of St. Michael.
Photo: Evan Vucci / dpa
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In particular, the US President praised the will to defend the people of Ukraine.
“A year later, Kiev holds out.
And Ukraine is holding up.
Democracy is standing.”
Photo:
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service / EPA
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Biden also met Ukrainian military personnel to show solidarity.
“The price Ukraine had to pay is extraordinarily high.
The sacrifices were far too great,” Biden said.
»We know that difficult days, weeks and years lie ahead.«
Photo: Office of the US President / dpa
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At the Mariinsky Palace, Biden signs the guest book.
“When Putin launched his invasion almost a year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided.
He thought he could take us by surprise.
But he was very wrong there, "said the US President.
Photo: Evan Vucci / dpa
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After his visit to Kiev, the US President intended to visit Poland.
On his agenda for Tuesday is a talk with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Photo: Evan Vucci / dpa
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