Forged by a year of conflict and determined to defend sovereignty, United States President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have formed a strong working partnership to protect the future of the international order. The two leaders have grown to greet each other with the familiarity of old friends, after Biden made a dramatic unannounced visit to Kyiv this week.

The journey began one year ago when Russia invaded Ukraine, pushing the two leaders to forge a bond as they clashed over the impact of the war. Although few thought he would survive the Russian onslaught, Zelensky has proven himself stronger and tougher than anyone expected. Biden sent $113 billion in military and other aid to Ukraine.

In the hours following Biden’s visit, the two men discussed the state of their respective families and their willingness to stand firmly by Ukraine’s sovereignty. Biden exclaimed over how amazing it was to