Russia was notified of Biden's visit to Kyiv, official acknowledges

Head of Russian Security Service says 'we did not give guarantees of his safety'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The US informed Russia about President Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv via diplomatic channels, head of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Aleksandr Bortnikov said on Tuesday.

The acknowledgement came a day after the White House said the US provided Russia with advance notice of the visit meant to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine.

"The US did notify Russia about Biden's visit to Kyiv -- through the diplomatic line. We did not give guarantees of his safety. Just said we took the note," Bortnikov said on the sidelines of President Vladimir Putin's address to the Russian parliament in Moscow.

He added that the FSB continues contacts with the US regarding the fight against terrorism, but not at the level that used to be.

"No one wins from this (lack of cooperation). Everyone is interested in maintaining relations," he added.

Biden visited the Ukrainian capital on Monday, and the trip was kept secret till the last moment.

Kaynak: