Despite the criticism from some US Republicans, President Joe Biden’s visit to Ukraine on Monday was met with praise from many Democrats. Biden’s trip, which came days before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, was aimed at expressing Washington’s “unbreakable” support to Kyiv.
The president announced $500m in additional aid to Ukraine during his visit, part of a growing tally of assistance in the billions of dollars that Washington has provided to Kyiv since the invasion started last year. This continuing assistance has so far been approved by Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Senator Cori Bush said in a social media post that Biden’s trip was a “reminder of the power of our presidency and how, when used responsibly, it can lift people up & be a beacon for freedom & democracy around the world”. Adam Schiff, a key House Democrat, said he was “proud” to see Biden express Washington’s “unbreakable” support to Kyiv.
However, some right-wing United States Republicans have expressed their opposition to Biden’s visit, citing crises at home that they accuse the president of ignoring. Congressman Andy Ogles accused Biden of prioritising “political field trips” on Monday and said he had visited Ukraine before visiting the people living through an environmental crisis in East Palestine, Ohio.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said in a social media post that Biden had “chose Ukraine over America” on Presidents’ Day, while Congressman Matt Gaetz quipped that Ukrainians “can keep” the US president. Congressman Scott Perry also noted that Biden can show up in Ukraine to ensure their border is secure, but can’t do the same for America.
Democratic Congressman Jason Crow dismissed the Republican criticism of Biden’s visit, saying “these people know nothing about national security and foreign policy”. He added that it is in the US’s strategic interests and security interests to have a stable, prosperous and free Europe and a free world, and that this fight is what Biden’s visit is about.
Overall, Biden’s visit to Ukraine was met with praise from many Democrats who lauded his “leadership” in supporting Kyiv against the Russian invasion. The president expressed Washington’s “unbreakable” support to Kyiv and announced $500m in additional aid to the country. Despite criticism from some US Republicans, Biden’s visit was a reminder of the power of the US presidency and its ability to be a beacon for freedom and democracy around the world.