Security priority for G7 leaders in Ukraine

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Security priority for G7 leaders in Ukraine

Security is a priority for the Group of Seven leaders who have visited Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

After traveling secretly to neighboring Poland, they usually enter Kyiv by train with a small group of high-ranking officials to minimize their time in the country. In February, U.S. President Joe Biden flew into Poland on an Air Force plane that is not the usual presidential plane. He then traveled by train to Kyiv.

Ukrainian airspace is threatened by Russian fighter jet incursions and other dangers, making air travel impossible. There were reports that the U.S. Air Force flew airborne warning and control aircraft.

Only three senior officials reportedly accompanied Biden, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Biden's stay in Kyiv was said to have lasted only about five hours.

Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, visited Ukraine four times, the most of any G 7 country. Johnson was only accompanied by a private secretary and security guards on his first visit to Ukraine in April, and reportedly stayed for about five hours.

In June of last year, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kyiv by train with the German and Italian prime ministers.

Macron's security guards entered the country 10 days prior to his visit to confirm the safety of the destination and evacuation routes. There are reports that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who visited May last year, was accompanied by his own special forces.