OnPolitics: Biden's surprise visit to Ukraine

The dramatic display of solidarity is timely; it will be one year since Russian invasion on Friday.

Read in browser Read in browser On Politics Mon Feb 20 2023 Hey OnPolitics readers. The biggest news on this Presidents Day is President Joe Biden's surprise visit to Kyiv.  It was no small feat, as USA TODAY's Joey Garrison and Rebecca Morin report: While most of Washington slept, President Joe Biden arrived in Kyiv around 8 a.m. local time Monday. The dramatic display of solidarity with Ukraine was the culmination of months of planning by a small team of administration officials. A final decision came in an Oval Office meeting Friday to move forward with a secret trip to war-torn Ukraine ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. The mission posed extraordinary risks. Although presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama made surprise visits to Afghanistan and Iraq, this was the first presidential trip to a war zone in which the U.S. did not have a military presence.  📰 Keep reading: Behind the scenes of the 'meticulously planned' trip to Kyiv 📍 Live updates from Ukraine: Biden pledges more in ammo from Kyiv, Putin faces 'people's court' trial 💰 Accountability: US has spent billions on Ukraine war aid. But is that money landing in corrupt pockets? Get this newsletter in your inbox 📨 Don't miss our coverage as the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches. Sign up for OnPolitics. Demands increase for more oversight of Ukraine military aid A special inspector general and House Republicans have called for more oversight of the more than $100 billion in aid sent to Ukraine. READ MORE A year after invasion, Ukrainian refugees unsure when they'll go home How many refugees return is a question with important ramifications: For tensions in their host countries, and the likelihood of rebuilding at home. READ MORE Calls for increased military aid to Ukraine as 1-year mark of conflict nears President Biden heads to Poland this week as the Ukraine-Russia war enters its second year and amid calls from lawmakers to give Ukraine more aid. READ MORE U.S. formally accuses Russia of crimes against humanity in Ukraine Vice President Harris made the remarks speaking at the Munich Security Conference Saturday, ahead of the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. READ MORE Blinken says China offered 'no apology' over surveillance balloon The discovery of the balloon originally prompted the U.S. to postpone a visit to Beijing by Blinken that was aimed at reducing tensions with China. READ MORE Election denier Karamo picked as chair of Michigan Republican Party Once a financial juggernaut, the Michigan Republican Party's financial woes resulted in them charging delegates $50 to $75 to attend. READ MORE Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ Newsletters   |    eNewspaper   |   Crosswords Follow Us Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe  •   Manage Newsletters  •  Terms of Service  •   Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights  •  Privacy Notice  •   Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy  •  Feedback