Biden going to Poland for the one-year anniversary of Putin's invasion of Ukraine 

The White House announced on Friday that he will travel to Poland later this month to mark the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

But officials deflected questions about whether that would include a visit to Ukraine itself. 

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said his trip would be from February 20 to 22.

'In addition, President Biden will deliver remarks ahead of the one year anniversary of Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, addressing how the United States has rallied the world to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy,' she said during her regular daily briefing, 'and how we will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes with that.'

During the visit he will meet with President Duda to discuss efforts to support Ukraine and bolster N.A.T.O.'s deterrence. 

The White House said President Joe Biden will visit Poland from Feb. 20 to 22, when he will mark the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Biden will meet with President Andrzej Duda (right) of Poland, seen here with President Volodomyr Zelensky of Ukraine, during his visit to eastern Europe

'He will also meet with the leaders of the Bucharest nine, a group of our eastern flank N.A.T.O. allies to reaffirm the United States unwavering support for the security of the alliance,' said Jean-Pierre.

John Kirby, a national security spokesman, was asked by reporters whether the president would cross the border into Ukraine.

'I don't have any other additional stops to speak to,' he said.

Biden visited Poland weeks after the war began on Feb 24. last year. On that occasion he delivered a robust case for backing Ukrainian fighters and seemed to call for regime change in Russia.

'For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power,' he said of Putin, before officials quickly said that it was an issue for the people of Russia to decide.

First lady Jill Biden briefly crossed the border on a trip in May and met her counterpart, Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska.

A presidential visit comes with unique security challenges. 

The main route into Kyiv used by world leaders, as well as journalists and humanitarian workers, is by train. 

New graves in a city cemetery in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, pictured on Friday

There is no end in sight to war that began with Russia's invasion almost a year ago. A resident is pictured walking past bombed out buildings in Bakhmut, Donetsk region

The Secret Service reportedly has deep reservations about allowing the president to visit a warzone. 

Even so White House aids have spent weeks planning how to mark the anniversary of the invasion. 

Hours before the announcement Russian missiles hit power facilities across Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky returned from a tour of Western capitals and Ukrainian officials said a long-awaited Russian offensive was under way in the east.

Ukraine's air force said 61 of 71 Russian missiles had been shot down. But Energy Minister German Galushchenko said Russia had hit power facilities in six regions with missiles and drones, causing blackouts across most of Ukraine.