Yellen visits Kyiv, affirming U.S. aid

Treasury secretary delivers $1.25B to resist Russia.

One week after President Joe Biden visited Kyiv to reaffirm endur- ing support against the Russian invasion, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited the Ukrainian capital Monday to emphasize the United States’ commitment to providing the money Ukraine needs to operate its govern- ment as the war enters a second year.

The trip — during which Yellen announced the transfer of $1.25 billion in eco- nomic and budget assistance to Ukraine — is part of a con- certed diplomatic push by the Biden administration to show support for Ukraine while maintaining pressure on Russia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit two former Soviet republics this week and is expected to urge them to maintain their distance from Russia as well as China.

U.S. officials are closely watching the relationship between Moscow and Beijing, which the Biden administration has warned is considering sending lethal military assistance to Russia. China this week will host a state visit from the president of Belarus, a key Kremlin ally.

Yellen, who arrived in Kyiv as air raid sirens rang out overnight, stayed in the capital for roughly 12 hours. She met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, attended a wreath-laying ceremony and visited a school that was rebuilt with U.S. aid money.

The visit came amid an intensifying public debate in the United States over whether the country can afford to continue to provide billions of dollars to Kyiv. Zelenskyy thanked the United States for “powerfully supporting” Ukraine since the invasion began, not just with weapons but with financial aid. “We really appreciate it,” he said after meeting with Yellen.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE VIA AP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday, with Yellen affirming further U.S. help as the war enters its 2nd year.