Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen arrived in Ukraine for an unannounced visit Monday, according to Axios.
Yellen made the trip to reaffirm the U.S.’ enduring commitment to supporting the nation’s war effort, according to Axios. In remarks at a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she emphasized that American aid is providing critical services and ensuring the country’s economic resilience.
“We are matching our words with actions. The U.S. is proud to be Ukraine’s largest bilateral donor. To date, the United States has provided close to $50 billion in assistance to Ukraine,” Yellen said in her remarks.
“During my visit to Kyiv, I am particularly focused on our close partnership in providing economic and budgetary support. To date, we have provided over $14 billion in economic assistance. In the coming months, we will disburse an additional over $8 billion in economic support,” she added.
The U.S. will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. I commend @ZelenskyyUa for his leadership, and thank him for our discussion on support from the U.S. and allies – including the announcement today of the transfer of the first $1.25B in U.S. support this year. pic.twitter.com/kHafuGjinR
— Secretary Janet Yellen (@SecYellen) February 27, 2023
The unexpected visit comes a week after President Joe Biden made a similar unannounced visit to the eastern European country following a planned trip to Poland that commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. The White House said the purpose of the stop was to “Reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” according to a statement.
These trips have received criticism from Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron Desantis for visiting Ukraine while not visiting the southern border, where millions of migrants are pouring in illegally. Former President Donald Trump took issue with his successor sending aid to Ukraine instead of East Palestine, where a toxic train derailment occurred recently, in a Truth Social post.
Ge Joey…wake the F – – – up!
Why is this piss soaked wretched old bag spending our money going to Ukraine!?
What is she a foreign policy Maker now?
You know half of that’s coming right back to the crooked politicians over here. That’s why there’s no audit. I hope I’m still alive to see the real insurrection! FJB/FVZ/FUKRAINE
F**k Ukraine! We have homeless veterans in the USA that fought in REAL wars, where’s their support?? Why don’t all these billionaires donate some of their money instead of taking from the taxpayers who never stop struggling!!
These democrats act like they give their own money to him. Why do they all fly there and waste our money?