US, Western leaders vow to continue support for Ukraine amid Russian war

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden and his German, French, Italian and British counterparts vowed to continue their support for Ukraine as it fends off a Russian invasion, the US said on Monday.

That includes ensuring continued military aid for Kyiv, the White House maintained as Russia repeatedly warns that such shipments have become "legitimate targets."

Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Premier Mario Draghi, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson "discussed their serious concerns about Russia’s brutal tactics in Ukraine, including its attacks on civilians," the White House said in a statement after the one-hour call concluded.

"They underscored their continued support for Ukraine, including by providing security assistance to the brave Ukrainians who are defending their country from Russian aggression, and humanitarian assistance to the millions of Ukrainians who have fled the violence," it added.

Russia's one-month war has been roundly denounced by the international community, and has been met with biting Western and allied sanctions and export controls being imposed on Moscow. The economic fallout has been exacerbated by an exodus of global firms fleeing Russia.

At least 925 civilians have been killed during the war, and 1,496 have been injured, according to the UN's tally. The international body warns, however, that the true casualty toll is "considerably higher."