​Biden sends powerful message to Putin ​

US president Joe Biden has made a surprise visit to Ukraine, where he has met president Volodymyr Zelensky.

It’s the first time Mr Biden has visited the war-torn nation since Russian forces invaded a year ago.

Streets were blocked off in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as a high-security operation swung into action.

The president’s visit will be seen as a powerful message to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has threatened a show of strength from his forces to mark the one-year anniversary of the invasion on Friday.
 

U.S. President Joe Biden in Ukraine’s Kyiv. pic.twitter.com/6TlaTSh6wL

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Mr Biden promised increased arms deliveries for Ukraine and vowed Washington’s “unflagging commitment” in defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

“I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments,” Biden was quoted as saying in a White House statement.

“Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians,” Zelensky said on Telegram in English.
 

Mr Biden came to Ukraine after he visited Poland and met President Andrzej Duda.​​​