The US President has made a surprise visit to the embattled capital of Ukraine only days before the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Joe Biden’s trip was shrouded in secrecy, with the White House revealing it was only three days ago that the US President made the final decision to go ahead, deciding it was worth the security risk in order to send a strong symbolic message.

A small group of aides, security and a medical team traveled with Biden, who walked side by side with Voldymir Zelensky, through the streets of Ukraine’s capital.

The US President has promised $500 million of military aid for Ukraine.

Former FBI agent Rick Smith says it was an “audacious” decision by the US President.

“It takes a lot to do that but … most Americans would support it.”

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Smith’s insight on how the secret trip was pulled off

Image: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via Getty Images