Biden's visit to Kyiv is a strong signal to Russia and Putin in particular - Kols

  • 2023-02-20
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - US President Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv is a strong signal to Russia and its President Vladimir Putin in particular, Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rihards Kols (National Alliance) told LETA. 

Biden's arrival in Ukraine shortly before the first anniversary of the war started by Russia is an expression of solidarity and a clear signal about unceasing assistance to Ukraine, Kols said. 

The lawmaker also believes that Biden's visit will encourage allies to support Ukraine even more in the fight against the aggressor. 

Biden arrived in Kyiv on a surprise visit on Monday and announced a new USD 500 million aid package for Ukraine.

"Together, we have committed nearly 700 tanks, thousands of armored vehicles, 1,000 artillery systems, more than two million rounds artillery ammunition, more than 50 advanced launch rocket systems, anti-ship and air defense systems. All to defend Ukraine. And that doesn't count the other half a billion dollars that we will be renouncing to you today and tomorrow," Biden said in a news conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The latest US aid package also includes artillery ammunition for HIMARS and howitzers, in addition to more Javelin anti-tank missile systems and surveillance radars, all to be given to "protect the Ukrainian people."