Currents News Staff
Thousands of refugees are still making their way to the border while President Joe Biden makes his way to Brussels. There, the president will meet with NATO leaders and other allies Thursday to address the war in Ukraine. The White House says his first objective is to help the Ukrainians.
“The President is traveling to Europe to ensure we stay united on all three critical fronts,” said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, “helping the Ukrainian people defend themselves, imposing and increasing costs on Russia and reinforcing the Western alliance.
Ukraine says some hundred-thousand people are trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol.
“I’ve got elderly parents and four pets that I will not leave,” said resident Natalia Hayetska. “Thanks to good people and people who helped it became possible.”
Other Ukrainians are battling to protect the capital, Kyiv, and other cities. The U.N. says more than 3.5 million refugees fled to neighboring countries to escape the fighting.
“I have a little baby,” said refugee Alessandra Ovsiienko. “I love my family. I had plans, and now I don’t have plans.”
Biden’s second goal is to help impose further costs on Russia for its actions. Ukraine’s president has a message.
“You know who is ordering war and who is promoting it,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Almost all of them use Italy as a holiday resort, so do not be a resort for them.”
The trip is also to show the country that the U.S. stands with its allies.