US President Joe Biden has signed an order to provide up to $600 million (£448m) in “immediate military assistance’’ to Ukraine, as Russia wages war against the country.
Ukraine is under Russian invasion for the third day on Saturday, with no signs of talks between Moscow and Kyiv to resolve the conflict.
Biden instructed secretary of state, Antony Blinken to release up to $350 million “in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training” under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The remaining $250 million would be for “overall assistance”, according to the memo released by the White House.
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The order comes after a call between Mr Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about strengthening sanctions against Russia and providing defence assistance to Kyiv.
Heavy street fighting against Russian troops is underway in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital as officials urged locals to take immediate shelter. The Russian troops reached Kyiv early on Saturday morning, attacking a military base in the city, as well as attempting to capture an electricity generation station.
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“While all Ukrainians have been faithfully defending our common home, we have good news from Washington,” Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova posted on Facebook.
According to her, after yesterday’s talks between the American and Ukrainian presidents:
“Everything is for victory! All the diplomatic army, our team of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States continues to work for Ukraine 24/7,” Markarova stressed.
Russia Vetoes UN Resolution, China Abstains
A United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling for the immediate withdrawal of its forces was vetoed by Russia’s ambassador to the UN.
The resolution sponsored by the U.S. and Albania won support from 11 nations while China — which often aligns itself with Russia on issues at the world body — was joined by UAE and India in abstaining. As a permanent member of the council, Russia has veto power.
Its decision was harshly criticized by U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
“You can veto this resolution, but you cannot veto our voices,” Thomas-Greenfield said. U.K. Ambassador Barbara Woodward added, “Make no mistake, Russia is isolated.”
In a show of support for Ukraine and the resolution, dozens of ambassadors from countries which aren’t members of the Security Council attended the debate over the proposal.
Pentagon Vows to Defend ‘Every Inch’ of NATO Territory
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Friday, “We are going to defend every inch of NATO territory.”
He said U.S. military units already placed on alert will mobilize as needed by NATO after the alliance’s rapid-response force was activated on Friday, The Defense Department has put about 10,000 to 12,000 troops on prepare-to-deploy orders, Kirby said.
He also said there are “clear indications” that Ukraine’s forces have had some successes in resisting Russia’s invasion along with setbacks.
Ukraine Discussing Timing, Location of Talks With Russia
Ukraine was and is ready to talk about cease-fire and peace, Serhiy Nykyforov, the spokesman for President Zelenskiy, said on Facebook, hours after Kyiv and Moscow appeared to be in a standoff about negotiations.
“We agreed to the proposal from the Russian Federation’s President,” Nykyforov said. “At these hours, the sides are holding consultations on the place and time for negotiations process”
A Putin aide had earlier suggest Belarus for talks, despite the country serving as a staging ground for the invasion.
