Since Biden took office, the US has given Ukraine more than $3 billion in aid

WASHINGTON – President Biden spoke to his counterpart in Ukraine a day after calling Russia’s actions “genocide.”

“He called it genocide not once, but twice because, as he said yesterday, it’s becoming clearer and clearer every day that it’s Putin’s idea to erase what it means to be Ukrainian,” the press secretary said White House, Jen Psaki.

During their call on Wednesday, the commander-in-chief announced an additional $800 million in arms, ammunition and other security assistance.

“Designed to help Ukraine in the fight they are right and will fight,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

Satellite images show Russia strengthening its forces in eastern Ukraine and preparing for a major offensive.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with leaders of Poland and the Baltic States on Wednesday to “show strong support”.

Ukraine reports more than 100,000 stranded in Mariupol as Moscow continues its relentless attacks.

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The mayor there says the siege killed more than 10,000 civilians.

Footage shared on social media during his stay in Kharkiv appears to show the use of a banned cluster munition.

This new video, as shot in the Donetsk region, shows rescuers pulling a puppy alive from the rubble and later reuniting it with its owner.

Ukraine says evacuation routes are closed at this hour as Russian forces block the route for civilians.