In an interview with MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, outgoing US President Joe Biden disclosed that he feared being assassinated by Ukrainian radicals during his unannounced trip to Kiev in February 2023. The visit, which occurred a year after the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, was shrouded in secrecy due to security concerns, including warnings about a possible threat to Biden’s life.
Biden’s remarks come months after the visit, which had been meticulously planned by a small circle of his key aides, along with the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence agencies. The purpose of the trip was to show strong US support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
While Biden acknowledged receiving general advice not to go due to security risks, he emphasized that his primary concern was not from Moscow but from “radical elements within Ukraine,” possibly working in collaboration with the Russian government.
“Everybody kind of advised me not to go for security reasons… But I didn’t think Putin would dare to eliminate the American president,” Biden said. “I was worried, concerned about what a radical element within Ukraine that was under the control or working with the Russians might try to do.” This fear was one of the key reasons for the secrecy surrounding his journey.
The trip was planned with extreme caution, including a covert flight departure from Washington, DC, followed by a nearly ten-hour train ride from Poland to Kiev. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, later revealed that Moscow was informed of the visit only hours before Biden’s departure.
In Kiev, Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, announcing a $500 million aid package and promising new sanctions against Russia. Biden stressed the importance of the visit, stating it was crucial for showing Washington’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
“I thought it was important that we demonstrate to the rest of the European leaders, stand up, man… My concern was if we didn’t go, then who leads? What happens?” Biden said, underscoring the significance of US leadership during the crisis.
The Kremlin had criticized the visit at the time, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing it of being another example of “concentrated Russophobia.” Moscow has repeatedly condemned US involvement in the conflict, asserting that continued support for Ukraine only prolongs the war and leads to more suffering and destruction.
Biden’s candid revelation offers a glimpse into the high-stakes decision-making and the personal risks faced by world leaders during moments of international tension, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine. The details surrounding his 2023 visit highlight the delicate balance of diplomacy, security, and international politics amid the ongoing war with Russia.
