Biden stresses 'sustained' US aid for Ukraine in call with Zelenskyy

WASHINGTON

The US will maintain its support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing assault on the eastern European nation, US President Joe Biden told Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday.

Biden discussed Washington's "continued backing for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression," as well as "sustained" shipments of "security assistance, economic support, and humanitarian aid," the White House said in a readout of a telephone call between the two leaders.

"The leaders discussed how the United States, along with Allies and partners, is working to hold Russia accountable, including by imposing sanctions that are already having an impact on the Russian economy," it said. "The leaders discussed Russia’s escalation of attacks on sites used by civilians in Ukraine, including today’s bombing near Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial."

Zelenskyy separately said on Twitter that "anti-Russian sanctions and defense assistance to Ukraine was discussed" during his discussion with Biden, whom he thanked for the US' support. "We must stop the aggressor as soon as possible," he added.

Since Russian began its war on Ukraine last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, Canada, Japan and the US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.

At least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.

Around 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the international body said Tuesday.