Biden WILL travel to Poland to mark the one-year anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine – but will he cross the border?
- President Joe Biden will travel to Poland on February 20, White House says
- He will give a speech on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Poland
- Officials declined to answer whether or not he would also visit Ukraine
The White House announced on Friday that he would travel to Poland later this month to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But officials deflected questions about whether that would include a visit to Ukraine itself.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said his trip would take place on February 20-22.
“Additionally, ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, President Biden will make remarks and address how the United States has rallied the world to support the Ukrainian people in defending their freedom and democracy,” she said during their regular daily briefing, “and how we will stand by the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
During the visit, he will meet with President Duda to discuss efforts to support Ukraine and strengthen NATO’s deterrent.
The White House said President Joe Biden will visit Poland Feb. 20-22 when he will mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Biden will meet with President Andrzej Duda (right) of Poland, here with President Volodomyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, during his visit to Eastern Europe
“He will also meet with the leaders of the Bucharest Nine, a group of our NATO allies on the eastern flank, to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support for the security of the Alliance,” Jean-Pierre said.
John Kirby, a national security spokesman, was asked by reporters if the president would cross the border into Ukraine.
“I don’t have any other additional stops to talk to,” he said.
Biden visited Poland weeks after the war began on February 24 last year. On that occasion, he made a strong case for supporting Ukrainian fighters and appeared to be calling for regime change in Russia.
“For God’s sake, this man can’t stay in power,” he said of Putin, before officials were quick to say it was an issue for the Russian people to decide.
First Lady Jill Biden briefly crossed the border on a trip in May and met her counterpart, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska.
A presidential visit presents unique security challenges.
The main route to Kiev, used by world leaders, as well as journalists and humanitarian workers, is the train.
The Secret Service reportedly has serious concerns about allowing the President to visit a war zone.