WESTERN PERSPECTIVE
Biden in Kyiv, pledges $500 million more in military aid; Japan commits $5.5 billion
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.
►Regardless of whether it's true, Russia will likely claim capturing the disputed city of Bakhmut to coincide with the invasion's one-year anniversary Friday, the British Defense Ministry said.
►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.
Top Chinese diplomat travels to Moscow, may meet Putin
A few days after his confrontational meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, headed for Moscow to meet with Russian officials, possibly including President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said.
Wang's trip comes at a time of high tension between the U.S. and China, whose surveillance balloon was shot down by an American fighter jet Feb. 4 after it was discovered floating high above sensitive U.S. military sites.
Blinken and Wang talked about that incident and other matters Saturday in Munich, and afterward Blinken said there was "no apology'' from China. Blinken also said he warned Wang against China providing weapons to Russia in its war against Ukraine, adding such a move would have "serious consequences'' for the relationship between the two superpowers.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted Monday that, "It is the US, not China, that has been pouring weapons into the battlefield in Ukraine. The US is in no position to tell China what to do. China will never accept US finger-pointing or coercion on China-Russia relations.''
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters his country and China are "allied in nature" and have "a lot to talk about."
Blinken details latest US weaponry headed for Ukraine
Blinken on Monday 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.
"In addition, I am authorizing an additional $10 million to support our ongoing efforts to provide emergency assistance to keep Ukraine’s energy infrastructure up and running in the face of Russia’s relentless missile and drone attacks," Blinken said.
Zelenskyy ecstatic as Biden makes pilgrimage: 'Welcome to Kyiv!'
Several European leaders have visited Kyiv since the war began, but 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.
Biden announced half a billion dollars of additional security assistance to Ukraine and said more details would be released in the coming days and that additional sanctions on Russia will be announced this week.
Japan commits $5.5 billion, will host Group of Seven summit with Zelenskyy
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced $5.5 billion in financial aid for Ukraine and will mark the first anniversary of the war Friday by hosting an online Group of Seven summit with Zelenskyy.
Japan is already worried about the looming threat of an increasingly assertive China, and Kishida said Russia’s invasion challenges the rules-based international order, adding, “That’s why I decided to resolutely respond with sanctions.”
Kishida said Ukrainians are suffering and need help to rebuild their daily lives and the infrastructure badly damaged by Russian attacks. As this year’s president of the G-7, Kishida said he will host an online summit to be joined by Zelenskyy on Friday.
How was Biden's trip to Kyiv pulled off? Through secrecy and lots of coordination
It took months of planning, a commitment to secrecy and a final decision made only three days before to 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 before Biden is known to have traveled to a war zone without a U.S. military presence.
"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 by train after five-plus hours in the Ukrainian capital.
“One year later, Kyiv stands,'' Biden said. "And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.”
Russia dismisses Biden's visit with Zelenskyy
The Kremlin downplayed Biden's visit with Zelenskyy, which the Russians had been told about, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and former president, said Biden “pledged allegiance to the neo-Nazi regime.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the meeting called to mind Georgia's former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, now in a Georgia prison, saying that U.S.-backed politician "is paying a steep price to be remembered in the West." Zakharova also mentioned U.S.-backed Juan Guaido, who in late December was ousted as leader of Venezuela's opposition.
"This is what awaits all those who have sold their souls to the Americans," she said. "Damned by their own people, needed by no one, forced to spend lavishly the money earned in America – from betraying their countries – on American lawyers."
Biden to visit Poland on Tuesday
Biden is marking the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with a 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." Mercy Corps seeks access in Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine
The global humanitarian aid agency Mercy Corps urged the Biden administration, EU and U.N. to broker a deal securing access to Ukraine territories now held by Russia. The nongovernmental organization says 4 million people in Ukraine are trapped behind front lines while aid deliveries face "insurmountable" barriers.“ Any solution for aid agencies to access these areas would be fragile," said Michael Young, Mercy Corps country director for Ukraine. "But it must be attempted if the international goodwill toward the Ukrainian people is not to fail."
Fate of 8 million Ukrainian refugees unclear one year into war
One year after Russia’s invasion sparked Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II, more than 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.
How many ultimately return to Ukraine is a question with important ramifications for refugees, including those with temporary immigration status; for host countries that see tensions as new residents add to their workforce but strain their housing and schools; and for Ukraine's capacity to rebuild its country and economy.
“The longer it lasts, the greater chance that people really start to envision and build up a life (outside of Ukraine) and not go back,” said Hanne Beirens, who heads the Migration Policy Institute of Europe.
RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE
Washington ‘fanning the flames’ in Ukraine – Beijing
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has shot back at Washington’s accusations that Beijing is considering providing “lethal support” for Moscow in Ukraine. The diplomat said the US was in no position to tell China what to do.
“It is the US, not China, that has been pouring weapons into the battlefield,” the diplomat said at a regular press briefing on Monday. He added that, unlike Washington, Beijing had been “supporting talks for peace” since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict.
“The international community is fully aware who is calling for dialogue and striving for peace, and who is fanning the flames and stoking confrontation. We urge the US side to seriously reflect on the role it has played, do something to actually help de-escalate the situation and promote peace talks, and stop deflecting the blame and spreading disinformation.”
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed in an interview with CBS that Washington had information that China was “considering providing lethal support” to Russia. He emphasized that such a decision would have “serious consequences” for relations with Beijing.
That was followed by a comment from US envoy to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who told CNN that Washington would view China sending weapons to Russia as a “red line.”
The US, meanwhile, has sent Kiev billions of dollars worth of military aid, including main battle tanks.
Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the Munich Security Conference that his country had been working on a peace proposal for the Ukrainian conflict – one which “some forces” might oppose, he added. Those calling for continued fighting “don’t care about the life and death of Ukrainians,” he warned.
Wang Wenbin added on Monday that Beijing stood by its principles and is “committed to promoting peace talks” in a “constructive role.”
** US ‘notified’ Russia before Biden’s Kiev visit
The US told Moscow in advance that President Joe Biden was planning to visit Kiev, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Monday. The American leader had previously stated he would visit Poland, but not Ukraine.
“We did notify the Russians that President Biden would be traveling to Kiev,”Sullivan said, adding that the message was sent “hours before” Biden departed Washington and was provided “for deconfliction purposes.” Sullivan did not indicate how Russian officials were contacted, or how they responded to the information.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of the Security Council, confirmed via his Telegram channel that Biden had received “safety guarantees” from Moscow for his visit. In the same post, Medvedev called Washington’s aid to Kiev a way for “NATO countries’ military industries to profit,”and referred to the US president as an “old man from across the ocean.”
Biden made the surprise trip to Kiev on Monday, in his first visit to the country as president. He met his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky and the pair visited the Mikhailovsky Cathedral. Despite the forewarning and apparent guarantees from Russia, air raid sirens were heard in the city. However, there were no reports of Russian strikes and the sirens did not cause alarm to Biden or Zelensky, according to AFP.
Speaking at a press conference, Biden pledged another $500 million in US military aid to Ukraine, saying more “critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars” would be on the way. Russia has maintained that sending more weapons will not change the course of the conflict, and will instead prolong the suffering of the people.
USA Today/RT
