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White House warns of ‘significant consequences’ if China aids Russia – live White House warns of ‘significant consequences’ if China aids Russia – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
White House press secretary Jen Psaki declines to say if China had provided any military aid to Russia since the war beganWhite House press secretary Jen Psaki declines to say if China had provided any military aid to Russia since the war began
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, will address Congress on Wednesday, in what could prove his most powerful plea yet for the west to take a tougher line against Vladimir Putin.Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, will address Congress on Wednesday, in what could prove his most powerful plea yet for the west to take a tougher line against Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskiy is expected to use the virtual address to urge members of the House of Representatives and Senate to intensify pressure on Joe Biden to allow the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland.Zelenskiy is expected to use the virtual address to urge members of the House of Representatives and Senate to intensify pressure on Joe Biden to allow the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland.
The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said in a joint letter to members: “The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine, who have shown extraordinary courage, resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, vicious and illegal war.”The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said in a joint letter to members: “The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine, who have shown extraordinary courage, resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, vicious and illegal war.”
They added: “The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression, and to passing legislation to cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine.They added: “The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression, and to passing legislation to cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine.
“We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelenskiy’s address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy.”“We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelenskiy’s address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy.”
Most members of Congress back the White House’s refusal to attempt to impose a “no-fly zone” that could entail US pilots firing on Russians and trigger a wider conflict.Most members of Congress back the White House’s refusal to attempt to impose a “no-fly zone” that could entail US pilots firing on Russians and trigger a wider conflict.
Chris Murphy, chairman of the Senate appropriations homeland security subcommittee, told the Hill: “This is the most dangerous moment since the Cuban missile crisis. We have never been this close to direct conflict with Russia.Chris Murphy, chairman of the Senate appropriations homeland security subcommittee, told the Hill: “This is the most dangerous moment since the Cuban missile crisis. We have never been this close to direct conflict with Russia.
“We made the right decision to openly support the Ukrainians but we just should understand the unprecedented moment that we’re living in today where we’re openly funding war against a nuclear power.”“We made the right decision to openly support the Ukrainians but we just should understand the unprecedented moment that we’re living in today where we’re openly funding war against a nuclear power.”
But there is a growing split over Poland’s offer to send Soviet-style MiG-29 fighter jets, which Ukrainian pilots are capable of flying, to Ukraine via a US airbase in Germany.But there is a growing split over Poland’s offer to send Soviet-style MiG-29 fighter jets, which Ukrainian pilots are capable of flying, to Ukraine via a US airbase in Germany.
Full story:Full story:
Pressure for the US to facilitate the jet transfer from Poland to Ukraine may be higher than ever after Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, addresses Congress on Wednesday.
Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, had “substantial discussions of Russia’s war against Ukraine” in Rome today, with China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi. In terms of aiding Russia in its war efforts, White House press secretary Jen Psaki reiterated that “there will be significant consequences” should China even consider the option.
Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall was injured while reporting in Ukraine. While the circumstances of how he was injured are still unknown, his hospitalization comes a day after Brent Renaud, an award-winning US film-maker, was killed reportedly by Russian forces in the town of Irpin. A US photographer, Juan Arredondo, was wounded in the same incident. When pressed about what the president’s response would be - Joe Biden said in February that the US would respond forcefully if Americans were targeted in Ukraine - Psaki declined to comment.
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The United States and some of its Nato allies – Britain, Poland and the Baltic trio – have been the most vigorous in insisting that Ukraine must, for moral and strategic reasons, receive the weapons it needs to fight Russian aggression.The United States and some of its Nato allies – Britain, Poland and the Baltic trio – have been the most vigorous in insisting that Ukraine must, for moral and strategic reasons, receive the weapons it needs to fight Russian aggression.
The moral case, strengthened by Ukrainians’ valiant resistance and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Churchillian wartime leadership, is that Ukraine is the victim, Russia the aggressor.The moral case, strengthened by Ukrainians’ valiant resistance and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s Churchillian wartime leadership, is that Ukraine is the victim, Russia the aggressor.
Yet amid the moral outrage and depth of animosity toward Putin, the risks of pouring arms into Ukraine should be considered carefully and dispassionately.Yet amid the moral outrage and depth of animosity toward Putin, the risks of pouring arms into Ukraine should be considered carefully and dispassionately.
Read on:Read on:
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been repeating a piece of Russian misinformation that the US is is funding biolabs in Ukraine that are “conducting research on dangerous pathogens”.Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been repeating a piece of Russian misinformation that the US is is funding biolabs in Ukraine that are “conducting research on dangerous pathogens”.
There is “no evidence” supporting these claims, according to a New York Times factcheck on the issue, but Gabbard has joined Fox News host Tucker Carlson in spreading this theory that is promoted by Russian state media.There is “no evidence” supporting these claims, according to a New York Times factcheck on the issue, but Gabbard has joined Fox News host Tucker Carlson in spreading this theory that is promoted by Russian state media.
Congressman Adam Kinzinger tweeted that Gabbard’s message was Russian propaganda and “traitorous. “Tulsi should go to Russia,” he wrote. But it was senator Mitt Romney and his response that sparked Gabbard’s ire.Congressman Adam Kinzinger tweeted that Gabbard’s message was Russian propaganda and “traitorous. “Tulsi should go to Russia,” he wrote. But it was senator Mitt Romney and his response that sparked Gabbard’s ire.
In response to Romney, Gabbard went on a 14-tweet rant continuing to defend the misinformation before ultimately telling Romney to resign.In response to Romney, Gabbard went on a 14-tweet rant continuing to defend the misinformation before ultimately telling Romney to resign.
“She is one of the most qualified individuals to ever be nominated to this position,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said of Sarah Bloom Raskin, on of Joe Biden’s nominees for the Federal Reserve Board. “That is where our focus is.”“She is one of the most qualified individuals to ever be nominated to this position,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said of Sarah Bloom Raskin, on of Joe Biden’s nominees for the Federal Reserve Board. “That is where our focus is.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was aware that senator Joe Manchin had planned to announce that he will part with the Democrats and vote to not confirm Sarah Bloom Raskin for the Federal Reserve Board.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was aware that senator Joe Manchin had planned to announce that he will part with the Democrats and vote to not confirm Sarah Bloom Raskin for the Federal Reserve Board.
Earlier, the White House issued a statement that they were “working to line up bipartisan support”, but Psaki would not comment on whether they had any Republicans lined up on their side.Earlier, the White House issued a statement that they were “working to line up bipartisan support”, but Psaki would not comment on whether they had any Republicans lined up on their side.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki addressed the ongoing attempts at peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. She said what it comes down to is that Russia needs to back its words with actions, and so far in these talks, they have seen no attempts to do so.White House press secretary Jen Psaki addressed the ongoing attempts at peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. She said what it comes down to is that Russia needs to back its words with actions, and so far in these talks, they have seen no attempts to do so.
“We’re not seeing any evidence of that at this point that President Putin is doing anything to stop the onslaught or deescalate,” she said.“We’re not seeing any evidence of that at this point that President Putin is doing anything to stop the onslaught or deescalate,” she said.
Psaki continued: “Diplomacy requires both sides engaging in good faith and to deescalate. What we’re really looking for is a specific delivery of actions. I think it’s important to remember that there have been five or six attempts to implement a humanitarian corridor. Those have not been effective. Those have not worked. You have seen through video footage and others that those have not been abided by. That is where we’re keeping our focus.”Psaki continued: “Diplomacy requires both sides engaging in good faith and to deescalate. What we’re really looking for is a specific delivery of actions. I think it’s important to remember that there have been five or six attempts to implement a humanitarian corridor. Those have not been effective. Those have not worked. You have seen through video footage and others that those have not been abided by. That is where we’re keeping our focus.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki is at the podium for the press briefing. She declined to say if China had provided any military aid to Russia since the war began, but noted that should they do so, “there will be significant consequences”.White House press secretary Jen Psaki is at the podium for the press briefing. She declined to say if China had provided any military aid to Russia since the war began, but noted that should they do so, “there will be significant consequences”.
Fox News pointed out that Joe Biden had stated in February that if Americans were targeted in Ukraine, the US would respond forcefully. US filmmaker Brent Renaud was killed this weekend, reportedly by Russian forces in an attack that also injured US photographer Juan Arredondo. Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall has just been reported injured as well, though the circumstances of how he was injured is still unknown.Fox News pointed out that Joe Biden had stated in February that if Americans were targeted in Ukraine, the US would respond forcefully. US filmmaker Brent Renaud was killed this weekend, reportedly by Russian forces in an attack that also injured US photographer Juan Arredondo. Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall has just been reported injured as well, though the circumstances of how he was injured is still unknown.
“What is that response going to look like?” the Fox News reporter asked.“What is that response going to look like?” the Fox News reporter asked.
“You have seen the president lead the world in putting in place consequences, putting in place repercussions and steps in response to the actions of Russia, the brutal actions that have certainly impacted Ukrainian people and now have impacted Americans,” Psaki said. “But in terms of next steps, in terms of what the next consequences will be, I don’t have anything to preview for you.”“You have seen the president lead the world in putting in place consequences, putting in place repercussions and steps in response to the actions of Russia, the brutal actions that have certainly impacted Ukrainian people and now have impacted Americans,” Psaki said. “But in terms of next steps, in terms of what the next consequences will be, I don’t have anything to preview for you.”
“Our thoughts, the president’s thoughts, our administration’s thoughts are with (Hall), his family and all of you at Fox News,” Psaki said.“Our thoughts, the president’s thoughts, our administration’s thoughts are with (Hall), his family and all of you at Fox News,” Psaki said.
Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall has been injured while reporting on the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Details are scant, but Hall has been hospitalized.Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall has been injured while reporting on the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Details are scant, but Hall has been hospitalized.
This comes a day after Brent Renaud, an award-winning US film-maker, was killed reportedly by Russian forces in the town of Irpin. A US photographer, Juan Arredondo, was wounded in the same incident.This comes a day after Brent Renaud, an award-winning US film-maker, was killed reportedly by Russian forces in the town of Irpin. A US photographer, Juan Arredondo, was wounded in the same incident.
In a new statement, the White House says Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, had “substantial discussions of Russia’s war against Ukraine” in Rome today, with China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi.In a new statement, the White House says Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, had “substantial discussions of Russia’s war against Ukraine” in Rome today, with China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi.
The two discussed a range of issues in US-China relations, the statement says.The two discussed a range of issues in US-China relations, the statement says.
On Sunday, multiple US news outlets reported that Russia had asked China for military assistance since it invaded Ukraine.On Sunday, multiple US news outlets reported that Russia had asked China for military assistance since it invaded Ukraine.
In their report for the Guardian, Julian Borger and Helen Davidson write:In their report for the Guardian, Julian Borger and Helen Davidson write:
Here it is in full:Here it is in full:
The conservative influence powerhouse CPAC and the American Conservative Union that sponsors it face criticism on multiple fronts over financial and other dealings with foreign backers, and charges their gatherings have become pay-to-play affairs with corporate lobbyists as Donald Trump allies gain power and influence.The conservative influence powerhouse CPAC and the American Conservative Union that sponsors it face criticism on multiple fronts over financial and other dealings with foreign backers, and charges their gatherings have become pay-to-play affairs with corporate lobbyists as Donald Trump allies gain power and influence.
The annual CPAC meeting is a hugely influential date on the conservative calendar and attracts a wide array of power players in the Republican party and broader conservative movement.The annual CPAC meeting is a hugely influential date on the conservative calendar and attracts a wide array of power players in the Republican party and broader conservative movement.
The CPAC “straw poll” is seen as a potential predictor of Republican presidential candidates. Last month, the event was held in Florida. Trump was the star attraction and won the straw poll by a healthy margin.The CPAC “straw poll” is seen as a potential predictor of Republican presidential candidates. Last month, the event was held in Florida. Trump was the star attraction and won the straw poll by a healthy margin.
The growing salvos aimed at CPAC and the ACU have come as the ACU has expanded fundraising operations and become closely linked to Trump and his large loyalist base, say current and former ACU board members.The growing salvos aimed at CPAC and the ACU have come as the ACU has expanded fundraising operations and become closely linked to Trump and his large loyalist base, say current and former ACU board members.
Full story:Full story:
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, will address Congress on Wednesday, in what could prove his most powerful plea yet for the west to take a tougher line against Vladimir Putin.Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, will address Congress on Wednesday, in what could prove his most powerful plea yet for the west to take a tougher line against Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskiy is expected to use the virtual address to urge members of the House of Representatives and Senate to intensify pressure on Joe Biden to allow the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland.Zelenskiy is expected to use the virtual address to urge members of the House of Representatives and Senate to intensify pressure on Joe Biden to allow the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland.
The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said in a joint letter to members: “The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine, who have shown extraordinary courage, resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, vicious and illegal war.”The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said in a joint letter to members: “The Congress, our country and the world are in awe of the people of Ukraine, who have shown extraordinary courage, resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, vicious and illegal war.”
They added: “The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression, and to passing legislation to cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine.They added: “The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face Putin’s cruel and diabolical aggression, and to passing legislation to cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine.
“We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelenskiy’s address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy.”“We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelenskiy’s address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy.”
Most members of Congress back the White House’s refusal to attempt to impose a “no-fly zone” that could entail US pilots firing on Russians and trigger a wider conflict.Most members of Congress back the White House’s refusal to attempt to impose a “no-fly zone” that could entail US pilots firing on Russians and trigger a wider conflict.
Chris Murphy, chairman of the Senate appropriations homeland security subcommittee, told the Hill: “This is the most dangerous moment since the Cuban missile crisis. We have never been this close to direct conflict with Russia.Chris Murphy, chairman of the Senate appropriations homeland security subcommittee, told the Hill: “This is the most dangerous moment since the Cuban missile crisis. We have never been this close to direct conflict with Russia.
“We made the right decision to openly support the Ukrainians but we just should understand the unprecedented moment that we’re living in today where we’re openly funding war against a nuclear power.”“We made the right decision to openly support the Ukrainians but we just should understand the unprecedented moment that we’re living in today where we’re openly funding war against a nuclear power.”
But there is a growing split over Poland’s offer to send Soviet-style MiG-29 fighter jets, which Ukrainian pilots are capable of flying, to Ukraine via a US airbase in Germany.But there is a growing split over Poland’s offer to send Soviet-style MiG-29 fighter jets, which Ukrainian pilots are capable of flying, to Ukraine via a US airbase in Germany.
Full story:Full story:
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, will address Congress on Wednesday.Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, will address Congress on Wednesday.
Joe Manchin, the moderate Democratic senator known for throwing a wrench into the Biden legislative agenda, has announced that he will not be voting to confirm Sarah Bloom Raskin for the Federal Reserve Board.Joe Manchin, the moderate Democratic senator known for throwing a wrench into the Biden legislative agenda, has announced that he will not be voting to confirm Sarah Bloom Raskin for the Federal Reserve Board.
The White House is discussing have Joe Biden travel to Europe soon for Ukraine-focused trip.The White House is discussing have Joe Biden travel to Europe soon for Ukraine-focused trip.
The Kremlin has instructed Russia-friendly media and commentators to use more Tucker Carlson clips, according to a report from Mother Jones.The Kremlin has instructed Russia-friendly media and commentators to use more Tucker Carlson clips, according to a report from Mother Jones.
Another Democratic congresswoman has tested positive for Covid-19 following an annual strategy retreat in Philadelphia last week.Another Democratic congresswoman has tested positive for Covid-19 following an annual strategy retreat in Philadelphia last week.
As we mentioned earlier, Congress has been especially active in the matter of Russia and Ukraine, and keeping the pressure on the White House when it comes to assertive policy. Here are some more happenings on Capitol Hill:As we mentioned earlier, Congress has been especially active in the matter of Russia and Ukraine, and keeping the pressure on the White House when it comes to assertive policy. Here are some more happenings on Capitol Hill:
Some more on the nomination of Sarah Bloom Raskin to Federal Reserve board, after the news that senator Joe Manchin will part with the Democrats and vote against confirming her:Some more on the nomination of Sarah Bloom Raskin to Federal Reserve board, after the news that senator Joe Manchin will part with the Democrats and vote against confirming her:
The New York Times is reporting that American Bridge, a Democratic super PAC, is filing a complaint with the Federal Election Committee accusing Donald Trump of violating campaign finance law by using campaign funds without formally announcing his 2024 presidential run.The New York Times is reporting that American Bridge, a Democratic super PAC, is filing a complaint with the Federal Election Committee accusing Donald Trump of violating campaign finance law by using campaign funds without formally announcing his 2024 presidential run.
Federal rules state that those who raise or spend more than $5,000 in support of a presidential campaign must register with the FEC. Though Trump has repeatedly teased a 2024 bid, he has not formally filed for re-election - such a filing would restrict how he raises and spends his campaign money, including his existing war chest.Federal rules state that those who raise or spend more than $5,000 in support of a presidential campaign must register with the FEC. Though Trump has repeatedly teased a 2024 bid, he has not formally filed for re-election - such a filing would restrict how he raises and spends his campaign money, including his existing war chest.
“I know what I’m going to do, but we’re not supposed to be talking about it yet from the standpoint of campaign finance laws,” he said this fall. American Bridge said this quote is proof that he is improperly using his existing political committees to advance a presidential run.“I know what I’m going to do, but we’re not supposed to be talking about it yet from the standpoint of campaign finance laws,” he said this fall. American Bridge said this quote is proof that he is improperly using his existing political committees to advance a presidential run.
A spokesman for Trump called the complaint frivolous.A spokesman for Trump called the complaint frivolous.