US President Joe Biden highlighted ongoing actions “taken by the US, its allies, partners and private industry to increase the costs to Russia for its aggression in Ukraine”, in a phone call with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Saturday night (5), according to information from the White House.
“In particular, he welcomed Visa and Mastercard’s decision tonight to suspend service in Russia,” the White House said.
“President Biden noted that his administration is increasing security, humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding.”
The call lasted about 30 minutes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the US for help in establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine during a call with US lawmakers early Saturday.
Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly called on NATO and Western authorities to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, a measure that could prevent Russian forces from carrying out air strikes against their country.
In the Zoom call, Zelensky also called on US senators for greater sanctions on Russia, including on energy, and more military assistance directed at Ukrainian forces. He thanked the US for its support so far, but his overall message was that his country needs more help as it struggles against Russia’s invasion.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the two leaders have spoken at least five times.
In Saturday’s call, the White House said Biden “reiterated his concern about the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear plant and praised the skill and bravery of Ukrainian operators who kept the reactors in safe condition.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Saturday that he would consider countries that impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as “participants in a military conflict”.
But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that a no-fly zone is not an option considered by the alliance.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that the establishment of such a zone could lead to a “full-fledged war in Europe”, but added that Washington will continue to work with its allies to provide Ukrainians with the means to defend against Russian aggression.
Source: CNN Brasil
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