Joe Biden's February 20 visit to Kiev was not officially announced in advance. However, in Russia they knew exactly about the plans of the President of the United States.
Such an opinion Channel 24said Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States in 2015-2019, head of the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center Valeriy Chaly. According to him, there is a point of view that Biden's trip was not officially announced earlier, because they feared provocations from Russia.
However, according to the diplomat, provocations are typical behavior of Moscow, which does not depend on whether would Biden come to Ukraine or not.
IPSO before Biden's arrival
Chaly said that in recent days, social networks and media began to actively discuss that Russia is preparing a new attack on Ukraine.
“They dispersed information about a massive air raid on Kiev. I think that this was one of the elements of the IPSO, which was also associated with the planned visit of Biden to Ukraine,” the diplomat said.
Stream by Irina Uzlova and Valery Chaly : watch the video
The United States warned Russia about Biden's visit to Kiev
The head of the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center is convinced that the United States was ready for any provocations from Russia. Moreover, Washington itself warned the Kremlin that Biden was going to Ukraine.
Valery Chaly
Former Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, head of the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center
There are definitely lines of communication between Russians and Americans about military issues. In particular, there is a special line on nuclear threats and warnings. I think that the US could use this line to point out to Russia that any steps that would create a dangerous situation are unacceptable.
He added that now Russian propaganda justifies the Kremlin’s inaction during Biden’s visit by saying that it was Vladimir Putin who allowed the US president to come to Ukraine.
“But in fact, Moscow was simply voiced such arguments that the Russians were forced to take them into account“, the diplomat noted.
In the coming days, Russia may be preparing “revenge”
The ex-Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States added that the American leader was provided with an appropriate level of protection in Ukraine. And here the actions of the Ukrainian military also played an important role, which showed themselves at a high level.
However, the situation for Ukraine is becoming much more dangerous now – after Biden's visit. After all, disappointment and rage broke out in Russia because of its own failure associated with the arrival of the US President in Kiev. all related events. They are now thinking what to do. And they can come up with anything, – said Chaly.
The diplomat believes that in the coming days, Russia will demonstrate a certain kind of “revenge” for Biden's visit to Ukraine.
“We need to prepare for different scenarios. The next days are very important, and for us, for sure we have prepared something. We must be confident, but attentive,” Chaly emphasized.
Biden's visit to Kiev: in short
- On February 20, 2023, US President Joe Biden unexpectedly visited Kiev. His visit was organized in secret, but Russia was warned about this.
- Despite the warning, the Kremlin decided to show its essence and lifted rocket launchers into the air. An air raid alert was announced in Ukraine.
- At that moment, Joe Biden, together with Vladimir Zelensky, took part in the ceremony of honoring the fallen Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, and the cause of the alarm was reported to him.
- Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mikhail Podolyak believes that after this experience, the US president understood why Ukraine is asking for American planes.
