Posted on by Randy Slovacek

Jill Biden Made Surprise Visit To Ukraine, Meets With First Lady

Jill Biden made a surprise visit into Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and other mothers affected by the deadly invasion from Russia.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska (via Twitter)

On this Mother’s Day, First lady Jill Biden made a surprise visit into Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and other mothers affected by the deadly invasion from Russia.

Axios reports Dr. Biden’s unannounced visit to the western city of Uzhhorod followed her journey to Slovakia where she with refugees and volunteers at the Ukraine border.

According to U.S. officials, this is the first time Zelenska has been seen in public since the unprovoked Russian invasion began on February 24.

“I wanted to come on Mother’s Day,” Biden said. “I thought it was important to show the Ukrainian people that this war has to stop and this war has been brutal and that the people of the United States stand with the people of Ukraine.”

Zelenska thanked Biden for her “very courageous act,” said according to a translator.

“We understand what it takes for the US First Lady to come here during a war when the military actions are taking place every day, where the air sirens are happening every day even today,” Zelenska told Biden.

“We all feel your support and we all feel the leadership of the U.S. president but we would like to note that the Mother’s Day is a very symbolic day for us because we also feel your love and support during such an important day,” she added.

Related: Ukraine Ambassador Will Join First Lady For State Of The Union Address

Biden met Zelenska at a public school, which is being used as temporary housing and shelter for 163 displaced Ukrainians, including 47 children, per the pool.

Jill Biden’s surprise visit follows recent missions to Ukraine by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.