Kyiv has captured a part of my heart: US President Biden on his visit to Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the Ukrainian people alongside the country's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Kyiv on Monday - an unannounced trip that comes days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.

Speaking alongside Zelenskyy at Mariinsky Palace, Biden recalled the fears nearly a year ago that Russia’s invasion forces might quickly take the Ukrainian capital.

“Democracy stands,” Biden said.

“The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you," he added.

He also spoke about the times he visited as Vice-President, saying "Kyiv has captured a part of my heart", as well as describing the efforts of the Ukrainian people in defending their country "astounding".

Also watch: US President Joe Biden makes surprise visit to Kyiv as Ukraine war nears 1 year

The Ukraine visit comes at a crucial moment in the war as Biden looks to keep allies unified in their support for Ukraine as the war is expected to intensify with both sides preparing for spring offensives. Zelenskyy is pressing allies to speed up delivery of pledged weapon systems and is calling on the West to deliver fighter jets to Ukraine - something that Biden to date has declined to do.

In Kyiv, Biden announced an additional half-billion dollars in U.S. assistance, including shells for howitzers, anti-tank missiles, air surveillance radars and other aid but no new advanced weaponry.