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US President visits Ukraine in preparation for a protracted war

US and Russian flags. (File Photo)

A year has passed since the devastating war in Ukraine broke out.

Despite calls for dialogue and a peaceful solution to end the conflict, Western nations, particularly the United States of America, have fanned the flames of war by sending billions of dollars in arms to Ukraine, including heavy military equipment.

This trend has only escalated the conflict and made the prospect of a swift end to the war unlikely as it would appear that Ukraine’s allies are gearing up for a much longer war.

On his first trip to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, US President Joe Biden met his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelensky. During his hours long surprise visit to Kyiv, Biden said he was there to show his country's unwavering support for Ukraine.

I'm here to show unwavering support for the nation's independence, their sovereignty, and territorial integrity. And today, we're going to have a chance to discuss how the United States and our allies, in constant contact with our partners, can most effectively support you and your cause, Mr President.

US President, Joe Biden

And later at a joint presser with Zelensky, Biden promised increased arms deliveries to Ukraine.

We've committed nearly 700 tanks and thousands of armored vehicles, one thousand artillery systems, more than 2 million rounds of 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 we're going to be announcing with you today and tomorrow that is going to be coming your way.

US President, Joe Biden

Zelensky hailed the visit as a key sign of support, saying Russia does not stand a chance of winning the war.

This is an unequivocal signal that Russian attempts to win will have no chance. Together we will protect our cities and our people from the terror of Russia.

President Volodymyr  Zelensky of Ukraine

While Biden was in Kyiv, the US State Department announced a further $460 million in aid to Ukraine. The assistance includes $450 million in artillery and munitions, anti armor systems and radars, as well as $10 million for energy infrastructure.

Biden's visit to Ukraine was the first trip to the country by a US president in 15 years. The visit came four days before the first anniversary of the breakout of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly warned the West against providing Kiev with weapons, saying it would only protract the conflict.

Biden's trip has clearly sent a contradictory message to Moscow signalling that the influx of weapons to Ukraine will continue and that Washington actually wants the war to go on.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Western countries, particularly the US, have fanned the flames of war by sending arms to the country rather than supporting dialogue.

Now, the US has accused China of planning to send weapons to Russia in its war with Ukraine, warning Beijing that any supplies would cause a serious problem.

We have seen Chinese companies, and of course in China there's really no distinction between private companies and the state, we have seen them provide non lethal support to Russia for use in Ukraine.

The concern that we have now is based on information we have that they're considering providing lethal support.

And we've made very clear to them that that would cause a serious problem for us and in our relationship.

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State

Blinken said he had made it clear to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, during the Munich Security Conference, that Beijing would face consequences if it moved ahead with assisting Russia in the war.

The warning comes as the US has been the largest provider of weapons to Ukraine during the year long war with Russia.

In response to Blinken's comments, China rejected the accusation saying it's the Americans who are endlessly shipping weapons to the battlefield.

It is the US, not China that is providing a steady stream of weapons on the battlefield. The United States is in no position to make demands of China. We will never accept the US pointing fingers at Sino Russian relations, or coercing us.

Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

China has expressed deep concern over the Ukraine conflict getting out of control. Beijing has also urged "certain countries" to "stop adding fuel to the fire" while simultaneously pledging to promote dialogue to resolve the conflict.

China has expressed "deep concern" over the escalation in the protracted Ukraine-Russia war, urging Western countries to "stop fueling the fire" and warning of the possibility that it could "spiral out of control."

 


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