An American Army veteran from Marshfield, Wisconsin, died in action on February 16 in Ukraine, according to CNN affiliate WSAW-TV.
"We can confirm the deaths of US citizens in Ukraine,” a spokesperson for the US State Department told CNN on Friday. "We are in touch with their respective families and are providing all possible consular assistance.”
Andrew Peters, 28, joined the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, WSAW-TV reported. The legion was created by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to allow foreign citizens, “to join the resistance against the Russian occupants and fight for global security,” according to the legion’s official website.
"Andrew had a clear sense of right and wrong. He felt compelled to use his former military combat experience to aid the Ukrainian people in fighting for and regaining control of their nation. Everyone liked Andrew, and he was quite close to his fellow soldiers. His bravery and selfless sacrifice have made us all incredibly proud, according to a statement from Peters' parents obtained by WSAW-TV.
Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago today. Here are the essential details.
A veteran of the American Army is killed in action while defending Ukraine.
According to CNN station WSAW-TV, a former member of the American Army from Marshfield, Wisconsin, was killed in combat on February 16 in Ukraine.
"We can confirm that US citizens died in Ukraine, a US State Department spokesperson told CNN on Friday. "We are in contact with each of their families and are offering all available consular support. Zelensky predicted that 2023 would mark Ukraine's victory over Russia and voiced confidence in his nation's ability to repel invasions, but he made no predictions on when the fighting would come to an end.
In publishing remarks underlining their support for Ukraine, officials from all across the world joined Zelensky in his message of hope.
Here's what you need to know if you're just now catching up:
changes in China:
Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry, stated on Friday that China is eager to play a positive role in resolving disputes between Russia and Ukraine, but he did not offer specifics on what that role might include. His remarks follow the publishing of a document by China on Friday stating its stance on the war in Ukraine, which Ukrainian diplomat Zhanna Leshchynska referred to as "a
Zelensky predicted that Ukraine would defeat Russia in 2023 and expressed confidence in his nation's ability to repel attacks, but he made no predictions about when the battle may be over.
Zelensky's message of hope was echoed by government officials all across the world, who released comments expressing their support for Ukraine.
What you should know if you're just now catching up is as follows:
developments in China:
Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry, stated on Friday that China is eager to play a constructive role in resolving disputes between Ukraine and Russia, but he did not give specifics on what that entails. His remarks follow China's Friday publication of a statement clarifying its stance on the situation in Ukraine, which Ukrainian diplomat Zhanna Leshchynska referred to as "a good omen On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its support for the idea and accused the West and Ukraine of preventing talks from taking place.
According to Zelensky, if China respects international law and territorial integrity, Ukraine "will work with China." The president of Ukraine stated that he would welcome a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Sanctions. According to the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council on Friday, the European Union has adopted a tenth round of sanctions on Russia. Further penalties, visa restrictions, and increased tariffs against Russia were also announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday. The notion of implementing fresh sanctions against Russia will be discussed during a virtual conference between the G7 leaders and Zelensky, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. On Friday, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also unveiled a fresh set of trade and economic penalties on Russia. Josep Borrell, in charge of the EU's foreign affairs, said that the sanctions will make Russia's economy much more difficult.
Sanctions. The Swedish EU Council Presidency announced on Friday that the European Union had agreed on a tenth round of sanctions against Russia. Additionally, in a Friday release, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced additional sanctions, visa restrictions, and tariffs for Russia. In a virtual conference with the G7 leaders and Zelensky, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated he also intended to discuss the issue of implementing further sanctions against Russia. On Friday, James Cleverly, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, also unveiled a fresh set of trade and economic sanctions against Russia. Josep Borrell, the head of the EU's foreign policy, said that the sanctions' prolonged presence will make Russia's economy more challenging.
military support. According to the German military ministry, Germany will send four more Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, bringing the total number it is sending from 14 to 18. In a military package that also includes additional air defence parts, Sweden also promised to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, according to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Friday. According to a spokeswoman for the Polish defence ministry, Ukraine has received its first shipment of Leopard 2 tanks from Poland. While this is going on, Russia might give Iran fighter jets as part of their two countries' military cooperation. countries deepen, the White House said Friday. military support. According to the German military ministry, Germany will send four more Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, bringing the total number it is sending from 14 to 18. In a military package that also includes additional air defence parts, Sweden also promised to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, according to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Friday. According to a spokeswoman for the Polish defence ministry, Ukraine has received its first shipment of Leopard 2 tanks from Poland. According to the White House on Friday, as military cooperation between the two nations intensifies, Russia may offer Iran fighter jets.
Zelensky contends that Moldova must not be destabilized by Russia.
During a press conference on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, is there. (Reuters/Gleb Garanich)
The destabilization of Moldova will continue, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and this should be halted with "more weaponry" and "more sanctions."
Zelensky's remarks come as Russia attempted to change the narrative on Friday, asserting that Kyiv, not Moscow, was the administration responsible for inciting unrest along the country's southern border. The Ukrainian president reacted during a speech commemorating a year after Russia's invasion.
On the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, attends a press conference. by Gleb Garanich for Reuters
Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, stated that Russia will continue to seek to destabilize Moldova and that these efforts should be thwarted with "more weaponry" and "more sanctions."
Zelensky made his remarks after Russia attempted to change the narrative on Friday, asserting that it was Kyiv's leadership, not Moscow, that was instigating tensions along its southern border. During a speech commemorating a year since Russia's invasion, the president of Ukraine answered.
"I think it's important to stop these attempts with more weapons, more sanctions, the appropriate steps," he added.
More context: In recent weeks, officials in Moldova and numerous Western governments have voiced worry that Moscow is imitating some of the actions it took as a justification for incursions into Georgia and Ukraine.
President Maia Sandu of Moldova has warned of a purported Russian plot to topple her government, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed "grave worry" over the idea of Moscow meddling in the affairs of the little nation.
By threatening NATO or Kyiv with "adventurous steps" in Transnistria and asserting that an attack on Moscow's compatriots there would be construed as an attack on Russia itself, Russia has hurled its own allegations at Ukraine.
A spokesperson for Ukraine's State Border Service responded to Russia's comments Friday, saying the Ukrainian military and National Guard have taken “increased measures on the border with Transnistria" but solely "to prevent any provocations from the other side.”
NATO and Ukraine are cautioned by Russia not to take "adventurous moves" in the Moldovan breakaway area.
In a statement released on Friday, the Russian foreign ministry cautioned NATO and Ukraine against taking "adventurous moves" in Transnistria, a territory of Moldova that has declared independence. Transnistria is home to some 1,500 Russian troops.
The Russian military will secure the "security of their people" in Colbasna, Transnistria, and will "adequately respond" to any provocations from Kyiv, it said, even though Moscow supports using "political and diplomatic channels" to resolve any disputes.
The statement further stated that "any action that threatens their security would be regarded, in accordance with international law, as an attack on the Russian Federation."
Recently, Russian officials have been accused by Ukrainian officials of planning to destabilize Moldova. On February 13, President Maia Sandu of Moldova echoed Ukraine's accusations and asserted that Russia intended to destabilize the nation using "saboteurs who have undergone military training and are camouflaged as citizens."
Our institutions have corroborated what President Zelensky had warned concerning the Russian Federation's plans to destabilize the Republic of Moldova, she said.
Russian defence officials asserted late on Thursday that Kyiv had "intensified measures to prepare for an attack of the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic."
A prominent Russian military blogger, who goes by the name of WarGonzo, said that "given that we have no direct land supply to Transnistria, and that the unfriendly Moldovan government will most certainly not allow our air force into the sky, the Russian garrison in Transnistria is now probably in the most vulnerable position, compared to the position on other fronts."
Ukraine responds: Addressing Russian accusations that it is building up forces close to the Moldovan territory, a Ukrainian State Border Service spokesperson said the Ukrainian military and National Guard have taken “increased measures on the border with Transnistria" but solely "to prevent any provocations from the other side.”
"Ukraine has always paid attention to Transnistria, as it is actually an enclave of Russia, which could have been used against our state as early as February 24 last year,” said the spokesperson, Andrii Demchenko.
“Fortunately, we did not record any active or provocative actions in this direction either," Demchenko added.
Ukrainian reaction The Ukrainian military and National Guard have "increased measures on the border with Transnistria," but only "to prevent any provocations from the other side," a spokesperson for the Ukrainian State Border Service said in response to Russian allegations that it is assembling forces close to the territory of Moldova.
"Since Transnistria is basically a Russian enclave and might have been utilized against our state as early as February 24 of last year, Ukraine has always paid attention to it, according to the spokesperson, Andrii Demchenko.
Fortunately, we did not observe any provocative or active behaviour in this direction, "Demchenko later on. Biden says there's no evidence "so far" that China is supporting Russia in Ukraine
US President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before he boards Marine One on February 24 in Washington DC.
There's no evidence "so far" that China will militarily back Russia in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said Friday while warning any support would have economic ramifications for Beijing.
When asked if he was concerned that China and Russia would go to war, the president responded that he had discussed the matter and the potential economic fallout with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summer. "Look, it's not a threat, I said. As he left the White House, Biden remarked, "It's just a statement.
When, in fact, Americans and Europeans were aware of what was taking place in Russia and Europe, guess what? Six further companies withdrew and left because they did not want to be affiliated with it. I responded, "You [Xi] informed me that Western investment is crucial to China's future and that matters. I remarked, "I'd just watch him; there's no proof he's done it yet."
Some background: According to three officials familiar with the intelligence, the US has information that China is considering giving Russia weapons and drones for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
The sources claimed that Beijing has not yet made a final choice, but that talks between China and Russia concerning the equipment's cost and range are still underway.
According to officials, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken brought up the subject when he spoke with his Chinese colleague, Wang Yi, on Saturday outside the Munich Security Conference.
“The secretary was quite blunt in warning about the implications and consequences of China providing material support to Russia or assisting Russia with systematic sanctions evasion,” a senior State Department official told reporters.
Biden dismisses China's proposed peace plan
According to officials, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken brought up the subject when he spoke with his Chinese colleague, Wang Yi, on Saturday outside the Munich Security Conference.
A senior State Department official told reporters that the secretary "was pretty direct in warning about the ramifications and repercussions of China providing material support to Russia or helping Russia with systematic sanctions evasion."
On Friday, President Biden addresses the media on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One. EPA, Bloomberg, Will Oliver, and Getty Images )
On Friday, US Vice President Joe Biden rejected China's suggested peace plan for the conflict in Ukraine, arguing that its execution would only be advantageous to Russia.
"If Putin is applauding it, how could it be any good?" Biden said in an interview with ABC News. "I’m not being facetious. I’m being deadly earnest."
"I've seen nothing in the plan that would indicate that there is something that would be beneficial to anyone other than Russia if the Chinese plan were followed," Biden said.
Beyond his criticism of the peace plan, Biden outright rejected the notion of China negotiating peace in the war, calling it irrational.
"It's just not realistic," added Biden, "to think that China will be negotiating the outcome of a war that is absolutely wrong for Ukraine."
Biden also commented on the potential for China to give Russia deadly weapons, a scenario that US officials have recently raised concerns about.
Biden declined to elaborate on the repercussions of China supplying Russia, but he did say that China would be subject to the same "serious penalties" as any other nation or organization that gives Russia weapons.
A little background
According to three officials familiar with the intelligence, the US has information that China is considering giving Russia weapons and drones for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
The sources claimed that Beijing has not yet made a final choice, but that talks between China and Russia concerning the equipment's cost and range are still underway.
In a statement released on Friday, China's Foreign Ministry said that the nation takes a "responsible approach" to military exports and refrains from supplying guns to areas of armed conflict. The declaration was made a day after a German media outlet reported that Beijing was in talks with Moscow about supplying drones.
Ukraine "doesn't need F-16s now," according to Biden.
According to Biden, Ukraine "doesn't need F-16s now."
"Look, we're sending him what our seasoned military thinks he needs now. He needs tanks, he needs artillery, he needs air defence, including another HIMARS,” Biden told ABC News’ David Muir. "There are things he needs now that we're sending him to put them in a position to be able to make gains this spring and this summer going into the fall."
"F-16s are not needed now," says Biden of Ukraine.
“F-16s is not a question for the short-term fight. F-16s are a question for the long-term defence of Ukraine and that’s a conversation that President Biden and President Zelensky had,” Sullivan said.
Some background: Ukraine's renewed public push for the aircraft, which the country's foreign minister publicly referred to as a "priority" last month, appears to be motivated in large part by a belief in Kyiv that with enough public pressure, the Ukrainians will eventually be able to secure weapons systems that the west once considered a red line.
According to Oleksii Reznikov, the Ukrainian defence minister, "What is unthinkable now is definitely possible tomorrow."
A Ukrainian military official echoed that sentiment in comments to CNN, saying, "It's going to come sooner or later. "According to Biden, Ukraine "doesn't need F-16s right now."
US intelligence indicates that China is inclined to transfer drones and ammo to Russia, according to sources
Three sources familiar with US intelligence tell CNN that the Chinese government may be considering giving Russia munitions and drones for use in Ukraine.
The sources claimed that Beijing has not yet made a final choice, but that talks between China and Russia concerning the equipment's cost and range are still underway.
According to the sources, China has been actively considering whether or not to deliver lethal assistance ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia has approached China for ammunition and drones numerous times.
Chinese officials may be inclined to provide the equipment, according to intelligence gathered by US officials in recent weeks.
In an effort to prevent Beijing from going through with it and alienating itself from the rest of the world, the US and its allies started publicly warning about China's potential military backing for Russia last week, according to US officials.
China's support for Russia would significantly increase with the provision of drones and ammunition, which would likely be for small arms like handheld weapons rather than larger artillery, according to the sources. Up until now, Chinese companies have mainly supported Russia by providing non-lethal equipment like helmets, flak jackets, and satellite imagery.
The US National Security Council and State Department declined to comment, and CNN has asked the Chinese and Russian embassies in Washington for comment.
The German publication Der Spiegel first reported that China may provide attack drones up to Russia.
What China has stated in the media:
Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the foreign ministry, responded when asked on Friday about the prospective sale of deadly weapons to Russia: "China has always maintained a sensible and responsible approach to military exports and does not give any arms sales to conflict zones or belligerents."
In response to the claims made by the US earlier this week, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi stated that China's stance on Ukraine "may simply be expressed as advocating peace talks."
China also published a statement on Friday calling for the restart of peace negotiations over the conflict in Ukraine, however, US officials are still quite sceptical of this.
Yi visited Russia this week, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the coming months.
Why it might be significant for Russia As a result of repeated assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure and residential areas, Moscow has just purchased hundreds of drones from Iran that are armed.
The head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, published pictures of a number of dead Wagner members this week and publicly attributed their deaths to the Russian Ministry of Defense's inability to provide them with enough ammunition. This is because Russian fighters are also running out of ammunition.
56 minutes ago
The 10th round of sanctions against Russia is approved by the European Union.
The Swedish Presidency of the EU Council announced on Friday that the 10th round of sanctions on Russia had been approved by the EU.
One year has passed since Russia's heinous and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, and the EU today adopted the tenth package of Russian penalties, according to the presidency's tweet.
The latest sanctions package has been implemented "the most forcefully and broadly ever to assist Ukraine to win the war," according to the Swedish EU Presidency.
The bundle contains:
targeted restrictions against those who promote the conflict, disseminate propaganda or transport Russian drones used in the conflict.
Taking action to counter Russian disinformation
stricter export regulations for dual-use products and technology
“The EU stands united with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We will keep supporting Ukraine, for as long as it takes,” the presidency continued.
Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, tweeted his appreciation for the EU's decision to adopt its 10th round of penalties.
“To keep unity in support for Ukraine is the number one priority for the Swedish EU Presidency,” he wrote.
"The EU is steadfast in its support of Ukraine and its people. For as long as it takes, we will continue to help Ukraine, the presidency said.
Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, tweeted his appreciation for the EU's decision to adopt its 10th round of penalties.
"The Swedish EU Presidency's top goal is to maintain solidarity in support of Ukraine," he stated. Zelensky says he wants to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to tougher controls on the export of dual-use goods and technologies
"The EU is steadfast in its support of Ukraine and its people. For as long as it takes, we will continue to help Ukraine, the presidency said.
Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, tweeted his appreciation for the EU's decision to adopt its 10th round of penalties.
"The Swedish EU Presidency's top goal is to maintain solidarity in support of Ukraine," he stated.
Zelensky declares he wants to meet with his Chinese colleague Xi Jinping 2 hours and 27 minutes ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he would like to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
When asked at a Kyiv news conference how he plans to bring the countries that are geopolitically removed from Ukraine to his side, Zelensky said that he plans to meet with Xi.
"I believe that would be beneficial for both our states and for the security in the world, he said, adding that "China and Ukraine have a lot of trade turnover."
China has given no indication that a meeting between Xi and Zelensky is possible.
"It's not just a question of war. We are countries that are interested in maintaining an economic relationship," Zelensky continued. "As far as I know, China respects territorial integrity, historically, has respected it and therefore must do whatever they can for the Russian Federation to leave our territory because that would mean respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."
In addition, the president emphasized the importance of upholding international law and the United Nations Charter. If China concurs, this means that it supports the "peace formula" put up by Ukraine, which demands that Russia withdraw from all areas that are recognized as Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky previously stated that if China can uphold international law and territorial integrity, "we need to collaborate with China." China declared on Friday that it is prepared to contribute to the constructive resolution of the problems involving Russia and Ukraine.
Old message on the new paper
China's Foreign Ministry on Friday released a new document on the conflict in Ukraine that urged a restart of peace negotiations, and an end to unilateral sanctions, and emphasized its opposition to the conflict.
The 12-point paper is part of Beijing’s latest efforts to present itself as a neutral peace broker. Beijing’s claim to neutrality has been severely undermined by its refusal to acknowledge the nature of the conflict — it has so far avoided calling it an “invasion” — and its diplomatic and economic support for Moscow.