Biden in Kyiv, pledges $500 million more in military aid; Japan commits $5.5 billion: Live Ukraine updates
President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv, Japan announced a generous financial aid package, and a “people’s court” put Russian President Vladimir Putin on trial for the crime of aggression Monday as the war with Ukraine approached the one-year mark with no end in sight.
Biden also announced an additional $500 million in weaponry for Ukraine. The State Department pegged the figure at $450 million, plus another $10 million in emergency aid for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been damaged by Russian attacks.
“Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us. He was just plain wrong,” Biden tweeted. “One year later, here we stand together – united with the people of Ukraine.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his country is pledging another $5.5 billion in assistance because of “strong concern that Ukraine may be tomorrow’s East Asia.”
The “people’s court” in The Hague, Netherlands, has no legal powers. But prosecutors said they will present evidence that Putin committed the crime of aggression by unleashing a devastating war that has killed thousands and left towns and cities in ruins.
Developments:
►Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has become more stable, and energy imports are nearing zero, the state utility Ukrenergo announced. The company cited favorable weather and the gradual increase in daylight hours.
►Starting in October, Ukrenergo’s key network facilities suffered extensive damage from Russian missile and drone attacks, meaning the company will need significant resources and time for complete restoration.
►Ukraine Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said he believes the West will transfer combat aircraft to Kyiv within one or two months. Biden and other Western leaders have thus far rejected Ukraine’s pleas for aircraft.
►King Charles III met with Ukrainian troops undergoing five weeks of basic training in Wiltshire, England.
BIDEN’ GUEST APPEARANCE:President Biden makes surprise visit to Ukraine ahead of Russian invasion anniversary
Blinken details latest US weaponry headed for Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized the 32nd drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. The $450 million package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and Howitzers that Ukraine is already using against Russian forces, as well as more Javelins, anti-armor systems and air surveillance radars.
Biden’s trip could be unprecedented. There are few, if any, examples of U.S. presidents traveling to an active war zone where there is no U.S. troop presence.
“Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv!” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on his official Telegram channel. “Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians.”
It was Biden’s first visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its war a year ago this week. It came ahead of a three-day visit to Poland, Ukraine’s neighbor and most committed ally. It was also symbolic because it comes as Ukraine has been intensely lobbying the U.S. for more weapons to help it fight back against Russia’s latest offensive.
Read more here.
– Kim Hjelmgaard and Rebecca Morin
pull off Biden’s surprise trip to Kyiv.
Besides the additional $500 million in Ukraine aid Biden announced Monday, his visit just days ahead of the one-year mark of the Russian invasion came with enormous symbolism. No American president had traveled to a war zone without a U.S. military presence before.
“I thought it was critical that there not be any doubt, none whatsoever, about U.S. support for Ukraine in the war,” Biden said Monday morning next to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy at his residence, Mariinksy Palace.
Coordination for the trip involved the White House, National Security Council, the Pentagon, Secret Service and the intelligence community.
The New York Times reported that after leaving the U.S. at 4:15 a.m. Sunday, Biden and his small group arrived in Poland and took a 10-hour train ride to Kyiv. They headed back to Poland after about six hours in the Ukrainian capital.
trip to Poland to again assure Europe and the world that the U.S. will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Biden is scheduled to arrive Tuesday for his second visit in less than a year. The trip comes as Russia has started what is expected to be a fierce spring assault in Ukraine and as polls show support softening among the American public for providing Ukraine with weaponry and direct assistance.
John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said Biden’s remarks will be directed at Americans, the Polish people and other allies – “And I suspect you’ll hear him messaging Mr. Putin as well and the Russian people.” Read more here.
– Michael Collins and Joey Garrison
WAR WEARY?:As Americans’ views on providing weapons to Ukraine soften, Biden plans to mark Russia invasion anniversary
They counted the days until they could return to Ukraine. Now, they’re not sure they’ll go back
8 million refugees remain scattered in Europe, the U.S. and beyond. As the conflict they fled grinds on, their new roots grow deeper. Amid new jobs, languages and lives hangs a consequential question: not just when to go home, but whether to go back at all. Read more here.
– Chris Kenning
A deeper dive:
♦ Joe Biden makes surprise visit to Ukraine ahead of Russian invasion anniversary, walks streets of Kyiv
♦ They counted the days until they could return to Ukraine. Now, they’re not sure they’ll go back
♦ Biden in Ukraine: See photos of president in Kyiv nearly one year after Russia’s invasion
♦As Americans grow weary of Ukraine war, Biden plans to mark Russia invasion anniversary
Contributing: The Associated Press