As the US announces new sanctions against Ukraine, the first ladies gather.
Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, met with her Ukrainian counterpart Olena Zelenska in Ukraine as Washington imposed further sanctions against Russia.
The two first ladies met in a school in Uzhhorod, a border town.
Mrs Zelenska made her first public appearance since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.
In reaction to the Russian incursion, the US announced further sanctions, including visa restrictions on 2,600 Russian and Belarussian citizens.
Washington also sanctioned three Russian television stations and executives from Gazprombank.
Meanwhile, G7 leaders stated their commitment to phase out or prohibit the use of Russian oil.
The two first women met in a school that is currently being renovated.
Mrs Biden stated that she wanted to “demonstrate that the people of the United States stand with the people of Ukraine,” and that the war, which is now in its third month, had been “brutal” and that it needed to end.
Mrs Zelenska described her visit to Ukraine during the conflict as a “courageous gesture.”
She went on to say that the visit, which took place on Mother’s Day in Ukraine and the United States, was particularly symbolic.
“We appreciate your love and support on this special day.”
Later, the two women sat down and made tissue paper bears, the provincial symbol, with some of the dozens of youngsters who are now sheltered at the school.
Following a video conference with G7 leaders, fresh sanctions were announced.
According to a senior US official, the latest US sanctions will affect 27 executives at Gazprombank. The sanctions do not, however, freeze the firm’s assets or make transactions with it illegal.
It’s unclear who is among the 2,600 Russian and Belarussian citizens facing visa restrictions.
The declaration came at the end of a day of diplomatic events in Ukraine, which included visits by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the German Bundestag Speaker, and Mrs. Biden.
Mr. Trudeau declared that Canada would deliver fresh weaponry and equipment to Ukraine’s army, as well as a new set of penalties against Russian individuals and businesses.
“What Putin needs to grasp is that the West is dead set on achieving its goals.”
“We will do everything we can as a world to ensure that he loses because of his unlawful war, escalations, and crossing of red lines by choosing to further invade Ukraine.”
The EU is working on a sixth wave of sanctions on Russia, but has yet to agree on the measures, which include a gradual ban on Russian oil.
According to diplomats, Hungary is still stopping the measures from being finalized.
The EU members are divided on how quickly they can reduce their reliance on Russian energy imports. Russia supplies over 40% of Europe’s natural gas. On the eve of Triumph Day in Russia, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, the new US and Canadian sanctions were announced.
