US President Joe Biden yesterday made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a gesture of solidarity that comes days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.

Speaking alongside Zelenskiy at Mariinsky Palace, Biden recalled the fears nearly a year ago that Russia’s forces might quickly take the Ukrainian capital.

“One year later, Kyiv stands,” Biden said, jamming his finger for emphasis on a podium decorated with US and Ukrainian flags. “Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.”