US, allies vow to inflict more costs on Russia for its war on Ukraine: White House

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Leaders of the US, France, Germany, Italy and the UK had a telephone call Tuesday where they vowed to inflict additional costs on Russia for its war in Ukraine, the White House said Tuesday.

President Joe Biden’s call was with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and British Prime Minister Borris Johnson “affirmed their determination to continue raising costs on Russia for its brutal attacks in Ukraine, as well as to continue supplying Ukraine with security assistance to defend itself against this unjustified and unprovoked assault," said the White House.

"They reviewed their efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the millions affected by the violence, both inside Ukraine and seeking refuge in other countries, and underscored the need for humanitarian access to civilians in Mariupol," it added.

The leaders also discussed the importance of supporting stable energy markets in light of current disruptions due to sanctions.

Russia's war against Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24, has met with international outrage, with the EU, US, and the UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,179 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 1,860 injured, according to estimates by the UN, which noted that the true figure is likely far higher.

More than 3.9 million Ukrainians have also fled to several European countries, with millions more displaced inside the country, according to the UN refugee agency.