On Feb. 20, Biden visited Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, for the first time since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Weeks before the trip, a small number of his senior advisors carefully negotiated Biden’s trip, highlighting the potential danger in sending the president to a war zone. 

The trip emphasized America’s unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian forces. Biden announced that America will provide further assistance through more military equipment, such as ammunition and weaponry including javelin missiles and howitzers. 

“It is also important to mention that Biden had come to Ukraine before scheduled and under secrecy, which gives a sense of urgency and care,” Leo Byun (11), a student in MUN, said. “This tells Ukraine and the rest of the world that the U.S. truly considers Ukraine’s security as important to them, and I predict there could be a closer economic and political relationship between the two nations in the future.” 

With Russian offensives likely to intensify in the Spring, Biden consulted with Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, about next possible phases of the war and long-range weapons that may be additionally supplied to the country. Biden also assured Zelensky that the U.S. will stand with Ukraine “as long as it takes.” 

“I thought it was critical that there not be any doubt, none whatsoever, about U.S. support for Ukraine in the war,” Biden added.

 “I think the symbolic significance of the trip is to show that Ukraine is still a top priority for America’s foreign policy and security concerns,” Jared Rock, an active follower of the American news, said. “It reaffirms America’s commitment to the Ukrainian cause. Sending the president itself basically works as a symbol of how committed a country is. I believe the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine on the grounds of strengthening democracy, a value that the U.S. has long set as a guide for what international relations should be based upon.”