US President Joe Biden has made a surprise visit to Kyiv – his first to Ukraine since Russia invaded almost a year ago
It comes as the anniversary of Russia's invasion approaches on 24 February
Biden said the United States would stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes" and praised their "heroic" fighting
He is due to begin a three-day visit to Poland later today
President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's "most important visit" and thanked him for supporting Ukraine
Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss how to make sure Ukrainian forces have enough ammunition
And Russian forces have sustained "very high losses" in their assault on the eastern town of Vuhledar, according to UK intelligence
We're still getting more detail about Joe Biden's surprise arrival in Ukraine on what will be seen as a symbolic visit ahead of the 12-month anniversary of the Russian invasion.
You can watch the moment the pair left St Michael's Cathedral in central Kyiv at a time when air raid sirens sounded across the capital.
In a statement, external, US President Biden said his visit to Kyiv would "reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity".
"When Putin launched his invasion nearly one year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us. But he was dead wrong," he said.
It goes on to say that Biden and Zelensky would hold an "extended discussion" on US support for Ukraine and that he will announce more "critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armour systems, and air surveillance radars" to help the Ukrainian defence.
There will also be more sanctions on Russia, the statement added.
It said the "unprecedented military, economic, and humanitarian support" by a "coalition of nations" to help defend Ukraine "will endure".
Alice Cuddy
Reporting from Kyiv
Rumours that the US president would be visiting had been building all morning.
Journalists gathered in the cold wind in front of Saint Michael's Square, trying to get a glimpse of him.
Barricades were erected and police and military officials blocked the entrance.
Everything was kept under wraps but it was clear something was going on.
The visit was over quickly, and barricades dismantled, allowing access once again to the area.
Image source, ReutersMore photos are emerging of Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv during the US president's surprise visit.
Only a few weeks ago Zelensky made a surprise visit to Washington to meet his counterpart and to plead to US Congress for more weapons to help his country fight back against the Russians.
Today, it is the other way around and a poignant one too as Friday marks 12 months since Russia started to attack Ukraine.
Biden's visit was kept secret due to intense security concerns, but various streets in Kyiv were shut down this morning fuelling speculation something significant was going to happen.
Image source, Zelensky Official/TelegramUkrainian President Zelensky has in the last few minutes posted a picture to his official Telegram account shaking hands with the US president.
"Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians," he says.
James Waterhouse
Ukraine correspondent in Kyiv
US President Joe Biden has made a surprise visit to Kyiv.
He's meeting President Volodomyr Zelensky on the day Ukraine commemorates the deaths of 107 people during anti-government protests nine years ago.
Kyiv is no stranger to official visits, however this one is different.
The fact the US president is meeting Ukraine's leader in the heart of the capital in the middle of a full-scale conflict is significant and symbolic.
In almost a year since the full scale invasion it sends a clear message to Moscow - that America, and the West, won't shy away from supporting Ukraine.
Image source, ReutersPresident Biden's motorcade moves through Kyiv
US President Joe Biden has arrived in Kyiv – his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded almost a year ago.
The surprise visit came as he travelled to neighbouring Poland to meet President Andrzej Duda.
There had been speculation earlier today that an important guest was arriving in the Ukrainian capital, which Ukrainian politician Lesia Vasylenko has confirmed is Biden.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest.
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Alice Cuddy
Reporting from Kyiv
Anticipation that something will happen in the Ukrainian capital has been growing this morning.
Officials say they are preparing for an “important guest” but we don’t know who.
The main road in the Ukrainian capital was briefly closed, causing traffic jams.
And the area in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery has been blocked off with a police and military presence.
Journalists have gathered nearby in anticipation. People on their way to work asked police if they could pass through but were told the area would be blocked until lunchtime.
Air raid sirens have just rung out. We'll bring you more as we get it.
Major traffic jams and road closures are being reported in Kyiv this morning by local media, fuelling speculation that an important visitor could be arriving in the city today.
Kyiv based journalist Olga Tokariuk said roads in the city centre are closed to traffic amid rumours that a high ranking Western official will visit today.
While Ukrainian news site Euromaidan Press reports that "large-scale traffic restrictions in central Kyiv" have added to speculation about "a high-profile western official's possible visit to Ukraine".
And another news outlet, UkraineWorld, says there are "major traffic jams" in Kyiv this morning, with some areas downtown "blocked for the passage of a convoy".
We haven't been able to verify who the visitor is, but we'll let you know as soon as we do.
Some more details now on the Ministry of Defence assessment on the losses of the Russian military.
In its intelligence update this morning, it says "the 'elite' 155th and 40th Naval Infantry Brigades have sustained "very high losses" in the coal mining town of Vuhledar, which is in the Donetsk region to the east of the country.
It says it has left these brigades "likely combat ineffective".
The MoD says casualties also remain high in the city of Bakhmut.
Image source, ReutersUkrainian servicemen ride on a military vehicle in the front line city of Vuhledar
We are expecting US President Joe Biden to arrive in Poland today where he will meet with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.
In a statement released yesterday, the White House said the pair would rally for support in Ukraine.
It said: "The president will deliver remarks ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
"Addressing how the United States has rallied the world to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy, and how we will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes."
Bloomberg News reports that the Biden administration is planning to impose new export controls and a fresh round of sanctions on key industries like Russia's defense and energy sectors, as well as several individuals.
The reports haven't been confirmed by the US, but any new sanctions will likely be announced this week ahead of the anniversary of the invasion.
The EU is also expected to announce its 10th package of sanctions in the next few days.
This morning the Ministry of Defence (MoD) sent out a series of tweets detailing the latest situation in Ukraine - especially out in the east.
The analysis by the UK backs up President Zelensky's remarks about casualties being high and fighting being focussed in the towns of Bakhmut and Vuhledar.
The MoD said two of Russia's "elite" infantry brigades "sustained very high losses in Vuhledar and are likely combat ineffective".
Russian forces are likely under increasing political pressure as the anniversary of the invasion draws near, the MoD tweeted, external.
It added: "It is likely that Russia will claim that Bakhmut has been captured to align with the anniversary, regardless of the reality on the ground.
"If Russia's spring offensive fails to achieve anything then tensions within the Russian leadership will likely increase."
Check out the graphic below just to see how much has changed in almost a year since Russia launched its invasion.
Image source, .
Image source, ReutersBuildings damaged by a Russian military strike in the front line Donbas city of Vuhledar on 18 February
President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Ukrainian military is inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces attacking the town Vuhledar to the east of the country.
He described the situation in the Donbas region as very difficult.
Ukraine has been fighting to hold back a Russian offensive in Donbas while it waits for the arrival of new weapons promised by Western countries.
Speaking in Ukrainian, President Zelensky said: "The situation is very complicated there. And we are fighting.
"We are breaking down the invaders and inflicting extraordinarily significant losses on Russia.
Quote MessageI repeat again and again: the more losses Russia suffers there, in Donbas - in Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Marinka, Kreminna - the faster we will be able to end this war with Ukraine's victory."
Image source, EPAWang Yi speaking in Munich
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, has arrived in Moscow for talks on a possible peace plan for Ukraine, according to Reuters. The news agency quoted Russia's Kommersant newspaper as saying that "the main purpose of his trip is to increase the role of Beijing in the Ukrainian settlement."
The visit comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that China is considering giving Russia weapons and ammunition for its war in Ukraine. Blinken said this in an interview following a meeting with Wang Yi on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference.
Blinken said Chinese companies were already providing "non-lethal support" to Russia - and new information suggested Beijing could provide "lethal support". He warned that this escalation would have "serious consequences" for China.
Beijing has denied reports that Moscow has requested military equipment and China's foreign ministry said it would not accept "finger pointing" and "coercion" from the US over its relations with Russia.
European Union foreign ministers are gathering in Brussels today where they will discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba is expected to attend and officials will discuss the next sanctions package for Russia as it approaches almost one year since Ukraine was invaded.
Ministers will also meet with the Moldovan foreign minister and discuss the situation in Afghanistan and Iran’s help for Russia.
European, American and Russian leaders are all keen to mark the first anniversary of the invasion in their own way - the West by demonstrating unwavering support for Ukraine, and Russia by touting its successes on the battlefield with showy public celebrations.
On Monday, EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss a further sanctions package against Russia. Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba will join them. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden will be in Poland.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the nation. A major rally and celebration is planned in Moscow for Wednesday, and Putin may attend.
And Friday will mark one year since Russian troops invaded Ukraine.
Andrew Humphrey
Live reporter
...and welcome to our live coverage of the Ukraine war.
The first anniversary of the Russian invasion is on everyone's minds as EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels to discuss imposing further sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden is flying to Poland to show his support for eastern Europe and Ukraine.
I’ll be hosting the coverage and I’m joined by live reporters Laura Gozzi and Thomas Mackintosh this morning.
It promises to be a busy day so please do stay with us.