February 25, 2022
2 mins read

US Congress to provide $600 mn weapons assistance to Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday authorised “a special military operation” in Donbass. Ukraine confirmed that military targets across the country were under attack…reports Asian Lite News

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that lawmakers on Capitol Hill want to provide Ukraine with “lethal defense weapons” worth $600 million to help Kiev defend itself against military attack from Russia.

Earlier in the day, US President Joe Biden announced further economic sanctions against Russia, as well as the deployment of additional US troops to Europe, Xinhua news agency reported.

Biden reiterated that no US forces will be sent into Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday authorised “a special military operation” in Donbass. Ukraine confirmed that military targets across the country were under attack.

“Our plans do not include the occupation of Ukrainian territories. We are not going to impose anything on anyone by force,” Putin said in a televised speech to the nation, noting that Russia’s move was in response to “fundamental threats” from NATO, which has expanded to eastern Europe and brought its military infrastructure closer to Russian borders.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has expressed hope that India would be in “sync” with the US on Ukraine.

Asked at a news conference on Thursday, if India, a major defence partner, was in “sync” with the US on Russia and Ukraine, Biden said, “We’re going to be”.

He added, “We’re in consultation with India today; we haven’t resolved that completely”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday to speak about strong collective action against Russia, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.

Price said that “Blinken stressed the importance of a strong collective response to condemn Russia’s invasion and call for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire” when discussing “Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine”.

Jaishankar tweeted afterwards, “Appreciate the call from @SecBlinken Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications”.

Biden unveiled a series of economic and strategic sanctions on Russia at his news conference declaring, “This is going to impose severe cost on the Russian economy, both immediately and over time”.

In retaliation for the Russian invasion of Ukraine ordered by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin early Thursday morning, Biden said that the US and its allies would blunt Moscow’s ability to participate in global trade by cutting off its ability to use dollars, euros, pounds and yen.

As Russian forces attacked key sites in Ukraine and its troops entered that country and engaged with Ukrainian forces, Biden said: “Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences”.

Biden’s sanctions taken in coordination with its allies, target Russia’s banking sector, its hi-tech industries and its defence.

But Biden ruled out sending troops to help the Ukrainians, but said US forces would be going to NATO allies in the East. (with inputs from Arul Louis)

ALSO READ: Biden says US consulting India on Ukraine

Previous Story

What went wrong after US intel predicted Russian invasion?

Next Story

3 ex-cops found guilty in George Floyd killing

Latest from -Top News

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay

India clears stealth fighter project

New execution model paves way for private sector involvement in India’s ambitious stealth aircraft programme; Army showcases next-gen drone warfare systems. In a landmark decision bolstering India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath

ASEAN lauds India’s firm stance on terrorism

The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US-China to resume military-to-military contacts

During talks with Xi, Biden emphasises the importance of maintaining

Pichai testifies in US anti-trust trial; takes a dig at Microsoft

Google reportedly paid Apple more than $10 billion a year