Washington — First woman Dr. Jill Biden made a shock journey to Ukraine on Sunday, assembly with the primary woman of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and visiting with Ukrainian kids who've been displaced by the continuing conflict with Russia.
Biden, who launched into her journey to Japanese Europe on Thursday, crossed the border from Slovakia into southwestern Ukraine on Sunday afternoon for the unannounced go to to a public college in Uzhhorod that was transformed into a brief shelter, housing 163 Ukrainians, together with 47 kids. It was a uncommon go to by a U.S. first woman right into a conflict zone.
The primary woman was greeted by Zelenska, who has not been seen in public since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, in accordance with a U.S. official. The official stated the 2 ladies have exchanged correspondence over the previous few weeks.
"I needed to come back on Mom's Day," Biden instructed reporters touring together with her. "We thought it was necessary to point out the Ukrainian those who this conflict has to cease, and this conflict has been brutal, and that the individuals of the USA stand with the individuals of Ukraine."
Zelenska known as the go to by Biden a "very brave act."
"As a result of we perceive what it takes for the U.S. first woman to come back right here throughout a conflict when the navy actions are going down daily, the place the air sirens are taking place daily, even at the moment," she stated. "All of us really feel your assist and all of us really feel the management of the U.S. president, however we wish to be aware that the Mom's Day is a really symbolic day for us as a result of we additionally really feel your love and assist throughout such an necessary day."
Biden and Zelenska held a personal bilateral assembly for roughly an hour, after which they met with roughly 15 kids who have been making bears out of cardboard and tissue paper for his or her moms.
The primary woman returned to Slovakia after spending roughly two hours in Ukraine.
Biden joins a rising variety of high U.S. officers who've made secret visits to Ukraine in current weeks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin traveled to the capital metropolis of Kyiv in April, and a delegation of Home Democrats led by Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a secret journey to the capital final week and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President Biden has not traveled to Ukraine, although he visited Japanese Europe in March.