Yellen makes surprise visit to Ukraine, vows economic support

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday reaffirmed Washington's economic and budgetary support for Ukraine after making a surprise visit to Kyiv.

Yellen held meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and high-ranking officials, telling them that the United States will continue to side with the country in its efforts to defend itself against Russia's attacks and rebuild its communities.

Her visit was made on her return to Washington from a meeting of Group of 20 finance chiefs in India. It came as Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered its second year and after U.S. President Joe Biden staged an unannounced trip to Kyiv a week ago, pledging Washington's "unwavering" commitment to the war-torn country.

The United States has provided more than $14 billion in economic aid to Ukraine and will additionally disburse over $8 billion in the coming months, according to the Treasury Department.

"We are committed to providing you with the security assistance you need to defend your country. But we also know that resistance on the frontlines isn't possible without a strong and stable home front: an economy that functions, and a government that continues to provide vital services," she was quoted as telling Zelenskyy.

© Kyodo News