Biden Embarks on European Tour... White House Says "No Plans to Visit Ukraine"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As U.S. President Joe Biden embarks on a European tour this week, it has been reported that there are no plans to visit Ukraine.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated on Twitter on the 20th (local time), "This trip will focus on supporting the people of Ukraine and continuing to unite the world against the invasion by Russian President Vladimir Putin."

President Biden will attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit and the European Union (EU) summit, both held in Brussels, Belgium, on the 24th.

Press Secretary Psaki, when announcing the trip on the 15th, said, "We will discuss ongoing efforts to deter and defend against Russia's invasion and reaffirm our ironclad commitment to NATO allies." She added, "A meeting between President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not currently being discussed."

Ukraine has long anticipated President Biden's visit. Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said in a CNN interview the day before, "President Biden's visit would show the world that the entire globe stands with Ukraine against Russia."