Jill Biden, surprise visit to Ukraine, meets Zelensky's wife

2022-05-08 17:36:25Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Jill Biden, surprise visit to Ukraine, meets Zelensky's wife
The First Two Ladies, Jill Biden and Olena Zelenska

US First Lady Jill Biden paid an unannounced visit to western Ukraine on Sunday, where she met with the country's First Lady, Olena Zelenska.

The visit and meeting took place on Mother's Day.

Jill Biden became the last high-profile American figure to enter Ukraine during the 10-week conflict with Russia. Her trip was made in secret and was announced after she had left Ukraine.

The American First Lady met Ms. Zelenska in front of a school, hugging her and giving her a bouquet of flowers.

"I wanted to come on Mother's Day," Ms. Biden told Ukraine's first lady, referring to the day, which is an important holiday in the United States.

"I thought it was important to convey to the Ukrainian people the message that this brutal war must stop and that the American people stand with the people of Ukraine," Biden said.

Jill Biden, surprise visit to Ukraine, meets Zelensky's wife

The First Lady went to the town of Uzhhorod, about a 10-minute drive from a Slovak village on the border with Ukraine.

She stayed about two hours in Ukraine.

The first two ladies went to a small classroom, sitting at a table facing each other, before continuing the meeting privately.

Ms. Zelenska and her children have been secretly sheltered for their safety.

She thanked Ms Biden for her "courageous act".

"We understand that it is not easy for the first lady of the United States to come here during a war where there are military operations every day, where air sirens are heard every day - even today," she said.

The school where they met has been turned into temporary shelter for Ukrainian displaced people from other parts of the country. The First Ladies met some children sheltered in the school and prepared with them symbolic gifts for Mother's Day.

 


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