‘Kyiv Stands!’

No one could have imagined a more appropriate acknowledgment of the passing of one year since russia again invaded Ukraine and began its bloody assault to kill as many Ukrainian men, women and children, rape girls and women, destroy their homes and churches, infrastructure and all vestiges of Ukrainian culture than what took place yesterday, February 20, in the capital of Kyiv.

Perhaps in a more symbolic and historic gesture than President Zelenskyy’s sudden personal appearance and address in the US Congress, President Biden arrived during the war in Kyiv and for the world the see embraced the Ukrainian president and, more importantly, the Ukrainian nation in a heartfelt gesture of support, solidarity and friendship.

The brief, secret but historic visit by the American president, who was en route to Warsaw, sent an undeniably powerful message to friends and foes alike. It told Ukrainians, x-captive nations, allies, Europeans, Americans and the free world that the bonds between America and Ukraine have been forged of the strongest steel that will never break. The Ukrainian nation can count on America’s military and non-military support for as long as it takes to vanquish the russian terrorist aggressor.

So that there are not mistakes in moscow, that embrace seen around the world told putin and russians that when they mess with Ukraine — or other former captive nations — they’ll have to answer to the United States of America.

“Kyiv stands,” President Biden triumphantly declared in sunny Kyiv after emerging from his 10-hour train ride from Warsaw.

“Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you,” Biden continued.

The American president recognized that this latest display of russian military aggression against Ukraine, as we have said, is meant to “wipe Ukraine off the map,” which by itself is an act of genocide equal to that of Nazi Germany.

But, Biden pointed out, “Putin’s war of conquest is failing. Russia’s military has lost half its territory it once occupied. Young, talented Russians are fleeing by the tens of thousands, not wanting to come back to Russia. Not just fleeing from the military, fleeing from Russia itself, because they see no future in their country. Russia’s economy is now a backwater, isolated and struggling.”

Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided, Biden said, but he was fatally wrong. He was also wrong about the lack of unity in the western alliance.

“He thought he could outlast us. I don’t think he’s thinking that right now. God knows what he’s thinking, but I don’t think he’s thinking that. But he’s just been plain wrong. Plain wrong,” he said.

Biden noted the great sacrifices made by every Ukrainian man, woman and child, but added that freedom is a worthy cause to fight and die for.

“You and all Ukrainians, Mr. President, remind the world every single day what the meaning of the word ‘courage’ is — from all sectors of your economy, all walks of life. It’s astounding. Astounding.

“You remind us that freedom is priceless; it’s worth fighting for for as long as it takes. And that’s how long we’re going to be with you, Mr. President: for as long as it takes.”

Remarkable words, observations and assurances for history to remember.

President Biden also announced additional aid that includes artillery ammunition for HIMARS and howitzers, more Javelins, anti-armor systems, air surveillance radars that’ll protect Ukrainians from aerial bombardments.

President Zelenskyy thanked his American counterpart for personally demonstrating his and American support for Ukraine and pointed out the benefits of the Peace Formula being discussed in the United Nations.

“We have common vision on the contents of many aspects of our Peace Formula, because its security elements, as well as the tasks to restore the U.N. Charter to its full capacity and to defend the international rule-based order — that’s a common, joint task for all the countries that are interested in the international security,” Zelenskyy said.

The rebuilding and the recovery of justice is also very important for all those who was affected by the russian terror, by the russian war. And the aggressor has to take responsibility for the aggression and to reimburse all the damages.

“I thank to the President of United States for supporting our work on restoring the justice more specifically in the work of all of our institutions in that area. And we believe there’s no alternatives to the establishment of the special tribunal. This is the position of Ukraine, and we shall support this position.

“And I would really like the United States to be engaged in the implementation of our Peace Formula, because its implementation would mean a reinforcement of global stability and the predictability of international relations. And we have some achievements in this area.”

If ever there was a single, momentous event that signals to friends and adversaries that the fight is over, you’ve been defeated, then it certainly was this brief, earth-shattering encounter in Kyiv, one year after russia invaded Ukraine.