Russia-Ukraine war latest: western sanctions akin to declaration of war, says Putin, as talks over Mariupol ceasefire continue – live | World news

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, has rounded off an hour-long video call with United States senators in which he called for more support to defend his country from Russia’s invasion.

All 100 US senators were invited to the Zoom call, with aides briefing reporters afterwards that Zelenskiy requested the delivery of more planes and drones. James Lankford, a Republican senator, tweeted afterwards that the Ukrainian president also wants “the world to stop buying Russian products (like oil and gas).”

Zelenskiy made a “desperate plea” for eastern Europe to provide Russian-made aircraft to Ukraine during a call the call, according to the Senate’s majority leader, Chuck Schumer. “These planes are very much needed. And I will do all I can to help the administration to facilitate their transfer,” Schumer said in a statement, Reuters reported.

Congressional leaders are working on a package worth around $10bn in economic and security assistance to Ukraine, with aides briefing that fighter jets may be sent to the conflict via a third country. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, tweeted that Nato should “immediately facilitate the transfer of fighter aircraft from Poland, Romania, and Slovakia to Ukraine.”

Western leaders have so far rebuffed Zelenskiy’s request to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine. But the senators expressed strong support for the country following the meeting.

“I & others reaffirmed US support for Ukraine & discussed additional aid the US will send to our partners in their fight for freedom. All eyes are on Ukraine as it stands on the frontlines defending democracy,” tweeted Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, while Gary Peters, another Democrat, called Zelenskiy “a true inspiration.”

Rick Scott, a Republican, called for stronger measures against both Russia and Belarus, tweeting that the US should take “EVERY action to destroy their economies.”