Biden doesn't plan to visit Kyiv due to current security situation – Politico
Фото Reuters
Currently, US President Joe Biden has no plans to visit Kyiv.
Politico reported this, citing several White House officials.
Officials explain that they don't build plans mainly because of security risks.
It is mentioned that Biden spoke last week with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, who called on his US counterpart to continue the flow of air defense weapons.
According to the publication, anxiety is growing in both states' capitals about the next phase of the war.
Ukraine's counteroffensive, successful after launching in late summer, stalled on both the southern and eastern fronts, allowing the russian military to dig in.
The cold winter has slowed the fighting, but Ukrainian military officials have warned that recent movements of russian troops and tanks could signal another major offensive in the coming weeks, possibly even in the direction of Kyiv.
Meanwhile, the United States does not believe that russia can launch an attack on Kyiv shortly but does not think that Moscow has given up its intentions to seize the territory of Ukraine.
Politico also reports that the Pentagon is preparing to arm Kyiv, finalizing plans to send the Patriot missile defense system, "which should greatly enhance Ukraine's ability to defend itself against attacks from the skies, including missiles and armed drones."
The US Defense Department is also considering sending other weapons, for instance, kits that can help Ukrainians convert unguided aerial munitions into smart bombs. According to officials, the US might expand training for Ukrainian soldiers at a US base in Germany.
Politico reports that White House officials believe Biden will need to lobby European leaders to maintain support for Ukraine as russia continues its attacks against civilians and energy infrastructure.
"Russia is again trying to put fear into the hearts of the Ukrainian people and to make it that much harder on them as winter is now upon them. We are going to remain undeterred in helping Ukraine defend itself," John Kirby, the National Security Council's coordinator for strategic communications, said.
