President of the United States, Joe Biden, met via teleconference with the leaders of the countries allied with the United States to discuss the latest developments regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement made by the White House, it was noted that during the meeting held in the virtual environment, “the continued support for Ukraine and efforts to hold Russia accountable were discussed” and President Biden brought up the economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Biden’s meeting with the leaders by teleconference lasted about an hour and a half. Biden closed the meeting from the White House Situation Room.
Among the leaders attending the meeting were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and leaders of Poland, Japan and Italy.
While Biden and his allies were negotiating, Russia captured the first city in the east of the country with the attacks it organized within the scope of the Donbas War, as defined by Ukraine.
Ukraine reported that the attack by Russia took control of Kreminna with a population of 18 thousand in Luhansk, one of the two regions that make up Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
Luhansk Governor Serhiy Gaidai noted that Russian forces were attacking from “all fronts”, authorities were trying to evacuate civilians and it was impossible to determine the number of civilians killed.
A senior U.S. official said the U.S. believes Russia is carrying out “frontal” strikes that will pave the way for more extensive operations in eastern Ukraine.