Biden Reveals Fears of Assassination by Ukrainian Radicals During Kyiv Trip “`

President Biden recently discussed his unannounced 2023 trip to Kyiv.

In a recent MSNBC interview, President Biden disclosed his concerns about potential assassination by Ukrainian radicals during his February 2023 visit to Kyiv. The trip, secretly planned for months with input from various US agencies, was undertaken a year after the escalation of the conflict with Russia.

Biden stated that while he wasn’t worried about a Russian assassination attempt, he was warned of a threat from “radical elements within Ukraine,” possibly working with Russia. He emphasized security concerns influenced the decision to keep the trip clandestine.

“Everyone advised against it for security reasons… But I didn’t think Putin would dare to eliminate the American president,” Biden explained.

“I was worried about what a radical element within Ukraine, possibly cooperating with the Russians, might try to do,” he added, explaining the secrecy surrounding the visit.

The meticulously planned visit involved a covert flight from Washington, D.C., and a ten-hour train journey from Poland to Kyiv. The White House informed Moscow of Biden’s trip only hours before departure, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

During his visit, Biden met with President Zelensky, announcing $500 million in additional aid and new sanctions against Russia. He highlighted the importance of the trip for demonstrating US solidarity with Ukraine.

“I thought it was crucial to show European leaders our commitment. My concern was, if we didn’t go, who would lead? What would happen?” he said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov at the time dismissed the visit as another example of “concentrated Russophobia.” Moscow has consistently criticized US involvement in the conflict, arguing that supporting Kyiv prolongs the fighting and increases casualties.