Biden will back Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes,’ Yellen says in Kyiv

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made an unannounced trip to Kyiv on Monday to emphasize the Biden administration’s continued support for Ukraine as the country prepares for Russia’s highly-anticipated spring offensive.

“I bring to Kyiv a clear message from President Biden and the American people: We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Yellen said during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Yellen said she particularly hoped to highlight the White House’s “close partnership in providing economic and budgetary support” for Ukraine.

“As you have said, our support is not ‘charity,’” Yellen told Zelenskyy. “It’s an ‘investment in global security and democracy.’”

Yellen’s trip comes a week after President Joe Biden made his own surprise visit to Kyiv, a show of support that marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

On Friday, the U.S. announced a new $10 billion aid package to Ukraine to support energy and budget costs, as well as $2 billion in security assistance. The U.S. has so far provided Ukraine with close to $50 billion aid, Yellen said Monday in Kyiv.

“Just as your life is a part of the history of Ukraine – I believe that Ukraine is a central part of the history of the free world. And you are writing our history right now,” Yellen said. “As you do, I hope you know this: America stands with you in this fight for freedom. And we will be by your side to help you rebuild.”