The unannounced visit occurred in connection with February 24 being one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Biden thus became the first US president to visit Ukraine since 2008.
– A visit by the world’s most powerful politician means a lot to Kyiv. It guarantees continued military support and arms deliveries, says head teacher in intelligence, Tom Røseth, at the Norwegian Defense Academy to TV 2.
SIGNIFICANT: Tom Røseth, head teacher at the Swedish Defense College, believes the visit is symbolically very important. Photo: Martin Berg Isaksen / TV 2
Symbolic and political
Biden announced that the United States will support Ukraine as long as necessary, and announced additional military assistance worth $500 million.
Zelenskyj says that the two heads of state discussed, among other things, long-range weapons during the meetings between them.
Biden also warns that there will be more sanctions against Russia.
KYIV: After a morning of rumors and speculation, it became official: The American president was in Kyiv. Photo: Evan Vucci/Pool via Reuters
– The visit is symbolically very important, it is important to meet in person in a historic city at war. There is an umbrella of big politics over this visit, says Røseth.
– What does the visit mean for Norway?
– It is positive that our most important ally is showing up. It supports Norwegian politics, says Røseth.
– Moscow shows its strong support
Former President and Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, reacts to Biden’s visit to Kyiv on Telegram Monday afternoon.
LAUGHING OUT: Dmitry Medvedev lashing out at Biden in a Telegram post. Photo: RIA Novosti
The Russian leader comments on the US’s recent pledges to supply weapons, and claims that Biden is pledging allegiance to the regime in Ukraine.
Røseth believes that the visit shows Moscow that there is strong support from the United States.
– It challenges Moscow’s narrative that the West is splitting, says Røseth.
Furthermore, he says that it is difficult for Russia to claim a propaganda victory at the one-year anniversary.
MEETING: US President Joe Biden meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska at the Mariinsky Palace. Photo: EVAN VUCCI/POOL/AFP
– World war is an extreme consequence
In an interview with German World warns Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenkyj of the consequences if China decides to side with Russia in the war.
Røseth says that there is an increased focus on the relationship between China and Russia, and that a world war is an extreme consequence and still unlikely.
WEAPONS DELIVERY: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed this weekend that China (Xi Jinping) is considering supplying weapons to Russia (Vladimir Putin). Photo: Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/ Kremlin/ Pool Photo via AP,
– I don’t think China is ready to remove economic trade with the West. It will not become the world’s most powerful state by changing the historical course China has set its sights on over time, says Røseth.
Borrell said on Monday that he had a long conversation with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi. There, Borrell is said to have asked China not to send weapons to Russia.
– I expressed our concern and said that there is a red line in our relationship, Borrell told the press in Brussels before the EU foreign ministers’ meeting.
According to the US, China is considering arms support
China’s trade with Russia has increased sharply in the past year. according to E24 increased trade by 190 billion dollars last year.
Tom Røseth, Principal teacher at the Norwegian Defense College. Photo: Martin Berg Isaksen / TV 2
– There is an increased trade in war material, but they are considering sending weapons, says Røseth.
Furthermore, Røseth says that if weapons are sent, there will be an increased confrontation between the US and China, as well as China and Europe.
– It will not serve China’s economic interest and desire for continued economic growth, he says.
– Should we worry?
– Not yet. According to the Americans, China is considering arms support to Russia, however, such deliveries have still not materialized, Røseth points out.
According to Røseth, an upcoming Chinese push for a solution to the Ukraine war is expected, this will probably be somewhat supportive of Russia.
– It will probably go over the heads of the Ukrainians and criticize NATO. It will be interesting to see how offensive and active the Chinese become. I still expect some restraint and general statements about Ukraine’s territorial integrity, as well as continued cautious support for Moscow, he says.
