US first lady Jill Biden makes unannounced visit to Ukraine

US First Lady Jill Biden has paid a visit to the western Ukrainian city of Uzhgorod.

That's according to the Telegram channel of the Zakarpattia Regional Council.

"First Lady of the United States Jill Biden paid a visit to Uzhgorod today, May 8. In particular, Ms. Biden met with Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska in Uzhgorod. It is noteworthy that this happened on Mother's Day," the statement said.

Biden and Zelenska visited a school in Uzhgorod, which now serves as a shelter for internally displaced persons who arrived from Ukraine's regions where hostilities continue.

The visit by First Lady Biden is a demonstration of support for Ukraine by high-ranking U.S. officials.

In addition to visiting Uzhgorod, Jill Biden also plans to travel to the Slovak cities of Bratislava, Kosice and Vysne Nemecke.

According to the statement, Jill Biden has already left Ukraine.

US First Lady Jill Biden has said that her visit to Ukraine and meeting with Ukrainian mothers was a powerful signal of support and international unity with Ukraine, where many families were forced to leave behind their loved ones, fleeing their homes.

She wrote this on Twitter.

"This Mother's Day, I wanted to be with Ukrainian mothers and their children. Over the last few months, far too many Ukrainians have had to flee their homes – forcing them to leave behind their loved ones," she said.

Jill Biden stressed that as a mother, she "can only imagine the grief and anxiety" the Ukrainians must feel every day from Russia's unprovoked attack.

"I've seen firsthand how the people of Slovakia and Romania have opened their homes, their schools, their hospitals, and their hearts," the first lady said.

She stressed that the whole civilized world supports Ukrainians in their struggle.

"Together, we are united for Ukraine. I hope by being here I can convey how much their strength and resilience inspires the world, and remind them that they are not alone," Jill Biden said.