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US first lady makes surprise visit to Ukraine, hugs Ukraine President Zelenskyy's wife - See pics

New Delhi: Amid Russia`s invasion, US first lady Jill Biden on Sunday (May 8, 2022) made a surprise visit to Ukraine to show support for its people and met Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska. Joe Biden's wife also visited a school that is serving as a temporary shelter for 163 displaced Ukrainians, including 47 children, Reuters reported.

Zee Media Bureau|

Updated:May 09, 2022, 08:43 AM IST

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US first lady Jill Biden meets Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska

Jill Biden said that the people of the United States stand with the people of Ukraine.

"I thought it was important to show the Ukrainian people that this war has to stop and this war has been brutal and that the people of the United States stand with the people of Ukraine," Reuters quoted Jill Biden as saying.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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Jill Biden gave flowers to Olena Zelenska

Jill Biden gave flowers to Olena Zelenska, who was making her first public appearance since the Russian invasion began on February 24.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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Jill Biden and Olena Zelenska

Ukraine President's Volodymyr Zelenskyy wife said that Jill Biden was "courageous" for making the trip.

"We understand what it takes for the US first lady to come here during a war when the military actions are taking place every day, where the air sirens are happening every day even today," Olena Zelenska said through an interpreter, according to Reuters.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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Jill Biden in Slovakia

Jill Biden, who had been traveling in neighboring Slovakia, returned to Slovakia after her trip across the border.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau meets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Interestingly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital and met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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Justin Trudeau and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Trudeau visited the town of Irpin outside Kyiv, the focal point of fierce battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces before Vladimir Putin's troops withdrew late in March.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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Trudeau meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv

During the Kyiv visit, Justin Trudeau announced new weapons and equipment for Ukraine.

(Photo credits: Reuters)

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A Ukrainian soldier walks in front of a school that was bombed amid Russia's invasion in Ukraine

Meanwhile, over 60 people were feared dead Sunday after a Russian bomb flattened a school being used as a shelter.

According to media reports, about 90 people were sheltering in the basement and emergency crews found two bodies and rescued 30 people.

(Photo credits: Reuters)