Biden calls Ukraine’s Zelensky as Russia tensions escalate
President Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday for the first time since taking office, as U.S. and NATO officials warn of a Russian military buildup near eastern Ukraine, according to the White House.
During the call, Biden “reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression in the Donbas and Crimea.” The two leaders spoke for over 30 minutes reportedly.
They also also discussed Zelensky’s anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, which are “central to Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” the readout says.
The call follows at least three recent high-level talks between the U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier contacted their Ukrainian counterparts.
Last month, Biden administration announced a $125 million military aid package for Ukraine, including two armed patrol boats and counter-artillery radar.
Russia-Ukraine flareup
The development comes as Ukrainian president accused Russia of amassing troops at the border with the intent of creating “a threatening atmosphere”. Zelensky said 20 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and 57 wounded since the start of the year in the deadliest flare-up since 2014.
NATO jets intercept Russian warplanes
NATO has expressed concerns of a big Russian military build-up near eastern Ukraine. On March 29, NATO fighter jets scrambled 10 times in less than six hours and intercepted six different groups of Russian military aircraft near Alliance airspace. “Russia’s destabilizing actions undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions,” one NATO official said.
Russia warns NATO
Russia has warned NATO against deploying troops to Ukraine, saying such a move would escalate tensions nears its borders and force Moscow to take extra measures to ensure its own security.
