Biden Huddles With Allies, Pledges More Security Assistance To Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday held a videoconference with likeminded world leaders to discuss international support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

The leaders "spoke about providing more ammunition and security assistance to Ukraine" - White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

The leaders "also discussed their coordinated efforts to impose severe economic costs to hold Russia accountable" according to a White House readout.

Washington is preparing another $800 million security assistance package for Ukraine, U.S. media reported Tuesday evening citing administration officials. Details of the new package are still being worked out.

Biden's call with alliy leaders comes before Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to meet with his Polish and Czech counterparts separately at the Pentagon this week, during which the war in Ukraine will be discussed, according to Pentagon officials.

Speaking about the current situation on the ground, senior defense officials told reporters that around 1,670 Russian missiles have been fired thus far on Ukraine since the start of the invasion.

Two more Russian battalion tactical groups have been added to the 76 in Ukraine during the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 78.

Mariupol is still contested, albeit it is being heavily pounded with Russian long-range fires.

Russian forces are intent on taking Mariupol because it would provide a land bridge for Russia from the Donbas to Crimea. A second reason is that it would give the Russians flexibility to free up forces from there so they could join other BTGs northward in the Donbas, the official said.

Mykolayiv, which is further to the west, is still in Ukrainian hands, the official said.

Heavy fighting continues elsewhere in the Donbas region, the official said.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.