This was CNBC's live blog tracking developments on the war in Ukraine. See here for the latest updates.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in the U.S. on Wednesday morning in what is his first known trip outside his home country since Russia invaded the now war-torn nation in February.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Zelenskyy met at the White House for a bilateral meeting between high-ranking officials from both nations, followed by a joint press conference where Biden pledged to help the young leader for "as long as it takes." The Ukrainian leader gave a rousing and historic 32-minute address to U.S. lawmakers at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.
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"Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn't fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking," Zelenskyy said to a loud round of applause and several standing ovations.
"The battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation which Russia attempts to conquer," he said, "the struggle will define in what world our children and grandchildren will live."
Zelenskyy assured Americans that their money wasn't being wasted in Ukraine, saying its soldiers knew perfectly well how to operate complex U.S. weapons systems and planes.
Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $1.85 billion military package for Ukraine that includes a Patriot missile system, which Russia has warned the U.S. against sending to Ukraine.
The president's U.S. visit comes just hours after he made a surprise trip to the front-line city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday. There, he met soldiers defending the city from Russian forces, which have been trying to capture it for months.
Zelenskyy praised the bravery and fortitude of troops and civilians in the Donetsk city, saying, "Bakhmut Fortress. Our people. Unconquered by the enemy. Who with their bravery prove that we will endure and will not give up what's ours. Ukraine is proud of you. I am proud of you! Thank you for the courage, resilience and strength shown in repelling the enemy attacks."
Zelenskyy gives Congress a Ukrainian battle flag from contested city of Bakhmut
At the close of an historic address to Congress, Zelenskyy presented House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Vice President Kamala Harris with a unique gift: A flag from the city that has become the spiritual epicenter of Ukraine's resistance to the Russian invasion.
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"When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the battle flag, the flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives," said Zelenskyy. "They asked me to bring this flag to you, to the U.S. Congress, to members of the House of Representatives and Senators whose decisions can save millions of people."
"So let these decisions be taken. Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen. This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war. We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are united, Ukraine, America and the entire free world," he said. Pelosi and Harris gave Zelenskyy an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day.
The small city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine has seen some of the fiercest hand-to-hand fighting of the war in recent months, as both Ukraine and Russia have bestowed outsized significance on the city's value as a symbolic and strategic prize.
The Bakhmut flag presentation was one of several moments in Zelenskyy's speech during which he made a point of acknowledging the crucial role that Congress plays in approving U.S. foreign aid to countries like Ukraine.
The timing was no accident: Both chambers of Congress are set to vote in the coming days on a federal funding bill that contains $44.9 billion in military and economic aid for Ukraine.
— Christina Wilkie
'We'll celebrate Christmas' by candlelight in bomb shelters, Zelenskyy tells Congress
Four days before Christmas, Zelenskyy painted a vivid picture of how his country would celebrate the holiday, despite being under near constant Russian artillery attack and with millions of people without electricity or running water in freezing temperatures.
"We'll celebrate Christmas, and even if there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out," he said in a rousing speech to a joint meeting of Congress. "If Russian missiles attack us, we'll do our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian drones and our people have to go to bomb shelters on Christmas Eve, Ukrainians will still sit down at the holiday table and cheer up each other," he said.
"We don't don't have to know everyone's wish, as we know that all of us millions of Ukrainians wish the same. Victory, only victory."
— Christina Wilkie
Zelenskyy evokes Battle of the Bulge, Saratoga in appeal to U.S. Congress
Zelenskyy received loud applause from the U.S. Congress Wednesday night as he compared Ukraine's fight for its survival to U.S. battles from World War II and the American Revolution.
Zelenskyy compared Ukraine's ongoing defensive stand against Russian troops in the east of the country around Bakhmut to American troops' successful defense against German troops in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Both battles raged through the Christmas season.
Zelenskyy went on to say he hopes for a turning point in the Ukraine war in 2023, similar to American revolutionaries' victory at Saratoga. At that series of battles in 1777, Americans defeated imperial British troops in Upstate New York.
France began openly supplying the Americans with arms after Saratoga. Continued weapons shipments were part of Zelenskyy's plea before Congress.
"We Ukrainians will also undergo our war of independence with dignity and success," the Ukrainian president said.
— Ted Kemp
'Your money is not charity,' Zelenskyy assures Congress of $45 billion Ukraine aid package
Zelenskyy was frank about the need for more aid from the U.S. Congress and the United States in order for Ukraine to drive Russian forces from his country.
"We have artillery. Yes. We have it. Is it enough? Honestly, not really," he said in a memorable speech to a joint meeting of Congress.
"I believe there should be no taboos between us in our alliance. Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us," he said. "And I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves."
"Financial assistance is also critically important, and I would like to thank you, thank you very much," Zelenskyy continued. "Thank you for both financial packages you have already provided us with and the ones you may be willing to decide on."
"Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy, that we handle in the most responsible way."
Zelenskyy's assurance about Ukrainian stewardship of U.S. funds came as Congress prepares to authorize a $44.9 billion military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine over the coming year.
One of the goals of Zelenskyy's last-minute trip to Washington was to firm up support for this aid.
— Christina Wilkie
'"We have no fear,' Zelenskyy says in rousing speech
"Against against all odds, and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine didn't fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking," Zelenskyy told Congress to round after round of applause.
"We have no fear. Nor should anyone in the world have it," he said in a speech filled with memorable lines and standing ovations.
"Ukraine has gained this victory and it gives us courage, which inspires the entire world. Americans gained this victory, and that's why you have succeeded in uniting the global community to protect freedom and international law," he said. "Europeans gained this victory, and that's why Ukraine is now stronger and more independent than ever. The Russian tyranny has lost control over us."
Zelenskyy's speech was delivered entirely in English, a language he has studied since he was a teenager.
— Christina Wilkie
Congress gives Zelenskyy big, long standing ovation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a long standing ovation from members of Congress and Cabinet secretaries in the House chamber tonight as he arrived to give an historic speech to a joint session of the legislature.
Both Republicans and Democrats stood and clapped and cheered for at least two minutes.
""It's too much for me," Zelenskyy said at the podium, placing his hand to his heart. "All this for our great people. Thank you."
— Christina Wilkie
Pelosi calls joint meeting of Congress to order moments away from Zelenskyy speech
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called to order a historic joint meeting of Congress that will hear an address from Zelenskyy.
Before the speech, Zelenskyy met with Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. was notably absent as the three other leaders walked Zelenskyy through the Capitol Rotunda.
The House chamber, the site of the speech, was not entirely full Wednesday night, in part because the House is out this week and many members had already gone home.
The massive winter storm moving into the Midwest raised fears that lawmakers who returned to Washington for the speech might not make it back home in time for Christmas.
— Christina Wilkie
Pelosi welcomes the 'brave, courageous' Zelenskyy to U.S. Capitol
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed the "brave, courageous" Zelenskyy to the U.S. Capitol, praising him and the people of Ukraine for protecting democracy.
"Over the last 10 months since the invasion, you Mr. President and the Ukrainian people have met Putin's brutality with a strong will," Pelosi said, adding that his visit comes as Congress is poised to pass within the next 48 hours another round of critical aid to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said he's prepared a speech, not just to Congress, but to all Americans, wanting to thank the U.S. for its support and calling it a great honor.
"I want to give all the messages I prepared in your language with all the respect to your country for that support that you've done for Ukraine in our battle, really battle, for our freedom, democracies ... our houses, for our great children," he said, speaking in English.
— Dawn Kopecki
More Ukrainian battlefield victories are the only path to peace, says Biden
Biden did little to conceal his grim view of how the next phase of Ukraine's war against Russia will unfold, telling reporters the only path to peace was through more Ukrainian victories on the battlefield.
The war "could end today if Putin had any dignity at all, and did the right thing and just said, 'pull out,' Biden said at a press conference with Zelenskyy.
"But that's not going to happen. Not going to happen. It's not going happen," said Biden.
"So what comes next? We're going to continue to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield," Biden said. "It can succeed on the battlefield with our help and the help of our European allies and others.
"So that if and when President Zelenskyy is ready to talk to the Russians, he will be able to succeed, as well, because he will have won on the battlefield," said Biden.
Biden's remarks reflect the belief within the White House that Ukraine will never agree to peace talks as long as Russia still occupies Ukrainian land, and that Putin will never voluntarily retreat from the country.
U.S. officials acknowledge that an even longer war will require even more American support for Ukraine, something Zelenskyy was expected to speak to when he addressed Congress on Wednesday night.
— Christina Wilkie
Ukraine wants more Patriots, Zelenskyy jokes
What does Ukraine want now that the United States has agreed to send its first Patriot air defense system? More Patriots, Zelenskyy joked.
"I can send messages to President Biden. For example, if it's not serious, you said what's going to happen after Patriots are installed?" Zelenskyy said, responding to a journalist at a joint press conference at the White House, "after that we will send another signal to President Biden that we would like to get more Patriots."
Zelenskyy said the Patriot missile defense systems are a key step to secure Ukraine's air space. "That's the only way we would be able to deprive the terrorist country and their terror attack to strike our energy sector, our people and our infrastructure," he said through an interpreter.
Biden later affirmed the U.S.'s commitment to fighting off Russia for "as long as it takes."
"We're going to give Ukraine what it needs to be able to defend itself to be able to succeed, succeed in the battlefield," Biden said.
— Emma Kinery
'You will never stand alone' Biden tells Ukrainians
Biden's message to Zelenskyy and all Ukrainians boiled down to a simple message: "You will never stand alone."
"We understand in our bones that Ukraine's fight is part of something much bigger," Biden said during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy at the White House.
"The American people know that if we stand by in the face of such blatant attacks on liberty and democracy and the core principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the world would surely face worse consequences."
"The American people are prepared to stand up to bullies and stand up for freedom," he said. "That's who we are as Americans. And that's exactly what we've done."
Zelenskyy's visit came after 300 days of Russia's invasion, and as Biden said, "the 300th day of the Ukrainian people showing Russia and the world their steel backbone, their love of country and their unbreakable determination."
— Christina Wilkie
Zelenskyy gifts Biden a medal on behalf of a Ukrainian soldier: 'Give it to a very brave president'
Zelenskyy gave Biden a medal on behalf of a Ukrainian soldier, thanking him for all that he has done for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy gave Biden the gift ahead of their bilateral meeting at the White House.
"I want to give you something," Zelenskyy said, passing Biden the Ukrainian Cross for Military Merit. A captain for the HIMARS battery, Zelenskyy said, gave him the medal when he was in Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday. "A real hero — a real captain and he asked me to pass his award to President Biden. He will understand."
"He's very brave," Zelenskyy said, "and he said 'give it to a very brave president.' And I want to give that to you."
Biden said the medal was "undeserved by much appreciated" and called it "a great honor." He asked Zelenskyy for the captain's name so he could send him a command coin, an American military accolade.
— Emma Kinery
Putin convenes annual meeting of Defense Ministry Board as Zelenskyy travels to D.C.
As Zelenskyy was on his way to the U.S., Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech during an annual meeting of the Defense Ministry Board in Moscow.
-Sputnik | Reuters
Senate confirms Lynne Tracy to be U.S. ambassador to Russia by a vote of 93-2
The Senate has confirmed Biden's nominee for ambassador to Russia in a rare, overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.
Career U.S. diplomat Lynne Tracy was approved by a vote of 93-2, filling a role that had been open since September, when former ambassador John Sullivan left Moscow and announced he would retire.
Tracy speaks Russian and has served in numerous diplomatic posts across Eastern Europe and Asia. From 2014-2017 she was the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and she previously worked as a senior advisor for Russian affairs in the State Department's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
Long considered one of the most consequential jobs in the U.S. diplomatic service, the role of ambassador to Russia is all the most important today because of Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.
Kyiv is a close ally of Washington, and Ukraine has received more than $20 billion of U.S. military and economic aid this year to help defend itself against Russian forces.
— Christina Wilkie
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greet Zelenskyy at the White House
Ukraine's Zelenskyy arrived at the White House, where he was greeted warmly by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The visit was Zelenskyy's first known trip outside Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion.
It was the second time visiting the Biden White House, however, after an initial trip in Sept. 2021.
Zelenskyy will now begin several hours of meetings at the White House, culminating in a joint press conference with Biden at 4:30 p.m. ET.
"I am in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and the Congress for their much-needed support. And also to continue cooperation to bring our victory closer," Zelenskyy wrote on Instagram shortly after he landed outside Washington.
"I will hold a series of negotiations to strengthen the resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine. In particular, we will discuss bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the United States of America," he wrote.
— Christina Wilkie
Pelosi urges bipartisan attendance to Zelenskyy's address to Congress
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed Zelenskyy to Washington in a Dear Colleague letter addressed to members of Congress, urging all lawmakers to attend the Ukrainian president's historic address to the joint session.
"I hope that you will be there to be a part of a very special evening, which will be etched into history as well as part of your legacy," Pelosi, D-Calif. wrote.
The House Speaker also noted the personal nature of Zelenskyy's visit. Pelosi's father, the late Congressman Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., was in office during U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill's 1941 visit to Congress to enlist the U.S. government's support during WWII.
"Eighty-one years later this week, it is particularly poignant for me to be present when another heroic leader addresses the Congress in a time of war – and with Democracy itself on the line," Pelosi wrote.
Guests will not be allowed to attend the address due to security measures, according to the letter. Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m.
— Chelsey Cox
Russia's attacks on civilian targets led to Zelenskyy White House meeting, Kirby says
Russia's increased attacks on civilian infrastructure and "civilian targets" in Ukraine necessitated the meeting between Biden and Zelenskyy, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
"As winter approaches, these kinds of attacks against infrastructure are really changing the face and the character of the war," Kirby said. "The president felt it was important to have this face to face meeting with President Zelenskyy to discuss the way forward."
Kirby said Biden would detail plans for air defense assistance when the president speaks Wednesday and make it clear the Ukraine has the full backing of the United States.
The recent civilian targets, Kirby said, are another example of how Russian President Vladimir Putin shows "no interest at all in trying to find a path out of this war."
— Emma Kinery
Ukraine's Zelenskyy lands in the United States
Zelenskyy has safely landed on U.S. soil, NBC News reports, citing a Ukrainian official.
The trip is Zelenskyy's first known travel outside of Ukraine since the Russian invasion began last February. He is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House at 2 p.m. ET and address a joint session of the U.S. Congress later in the evening.
— Christina Wilkie
U.S. confirms a new $1.85 billion military aid package with Patriot missiles
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed reports of a new aid package to Ukraine, which will consist of $1 billion drawn under a special State Department authority, and another $850 million from the Department of Defense.
According to a State Department spokesperson, the $1 billion package is expected to include the following military capabilities, along with others not listed here.
- One Patriot air defense battery and munitions;
- Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
- 500 precision-guided 155mm artillery rounds;
- 10 120mm mortar systems and 10,000 120mm mortar rounds;
- 10 82mm mortar systems;
- 10 60mm mortar systems;
- 37 Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles;
- 120 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs);
- Six armored utility trucks;
- High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs);
The capabilities provided by the Defense Department's $850 million package are expected to include the items below.
- 45,000 152mm artillery rounds;
- 20,000 122mm artillery rounds;
- 50,000 122mm GRAD rockets;
- 100,000 rounds of 125mm tank ammunition;
- SATCOM terminals and services;
- Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment.
— Christina Wilkie
McConnell urges Republicans to support Ukraine aid
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged his Republican colleagues to support the omnibus government funding bill, and in particular, the nearly $45 billion in additional funding for Ukraine.
'The reason that a big bipartisan majority of the American people and a big bipartisan majority in Congress support continuing to assist Ukraine is not primarily about inspiring speeches or desire to engage in philanthropy," McConnell said on the Senate floor, hours before Zelenskyy was set to address a joint session of Congress.
"The most basic reasons for continuing to help Ukraine degrade and defeat the Russian invaders are cold, hard, practical, American interests," he said.
"By assisting Ukraine today, America is directly demonstrating our commitment to the basic principles of territorial integrity and national sovereignty, changing the calculus for others considering military aggression and lowering the odds of a far costlier and far more deadly future conflicts in the process," McConnell said.
He acknowledged Republicans' objections to many of the provisions contained in the omnibus bill, but said, effectively, that they had no choice but to support it.
"Given the reality of where we stand today, senators have two options, just two. We either give our armed forces the resources and certainty that they need or we will deny it them," McConnell said.
— Christina Wilkie
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi officially invites Zelenskyy to address joint session of Congress
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally invited Zelenskyy to address a joint session of Congress, according to a letter released by her office.
Pelosi, D-Calif., expressed "immense respect and admiration" for Zelenskyy's war-time leadership in the letter, which was sent on behalf of bipartisan Congressional leadership.
"In the face of Putin's horrific atrocities, Ukrainian freedom fighters have inspired the world with an iron will and an unbreakable spirit — fighting back against Russia's brutal, unjustified invasion," Pelosi wrote. "During this dark moment, your courageous, patriotic, indefatigable leadership has rallied not only your people, but the world, to join the frontlines of the fight for freedom."
Zelenskyy is expected to address Congress in his first U.S. visit since the war began in February this evening.
— Chelsey Cox
Zelenskyy's schedule in Washington
Zelenskyy's visit to Washington will be divided into afternoon events with Biden and an evening on Capitol Hill, where he will address a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
Below is his most recent schedule, according to official press releases from the White House and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
- 2 p.m. - Biden welcomes Zelenskyy to the White House.
- 2:30 p.m. - Biden and Zelenskyy hold a bilateral meeting with senior administration officials.
- 4:30 p.m. - Biden and Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference at the White House.
- 6:15 p.m. - Zelenskyy meets with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in the U.S. Capitol.
- 7:30 p.m. - Zelenskyy delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber.
— Christina Wilkie
Zelenskyy takes significant risk to visit U.S. in person
U.S. officials are taking great care to protect Zelenskyy and his traveling plans in his first known wartime trip outside of Ukraine.
"You're right, I'm not gonna wanna get into too much of the specifics in terms of his travel plans," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
He said the U.S. was assisting the Ukraine government to make sure he got here safely and was en route as he spoke. "And obviously, because he has to get back into country, we're gonna be careful in terms of what we talk about," Kirby added.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive at the White House at 2 p.m. ET.
— Dawn Kopecki
Zelenskyy scheduled to arrive at White House at 2 p.m. ET
Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive at the White House at 2 p.m. ET for a 2:30 p.m. bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden.
The two are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at 4:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. address by the Ukranian leader to Congress.
"I hope you're having a good flight, Volodymyr. I'm thrilled to have you here. Much to discuss," Biden tweeted early Wednesday morning.
Zelenskyy's visit comes as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on an omnibus spending bill that includes approximately $45 billion of both military and economic aid to Ukraine in the coming year, billions more than Biden initially requested in November.
— Christina Wilkie
Russia's Shoigu proposes raising conscription age
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday proposed raising the age range for mandatory Russian military service to cover Russian citizens aged 21-30 as he said Russia's forces would continue fighting in Ukraine next year.
Under the current law, Russians aged between 18-27 can be called up for mandatory military service - though Shoigu and President Vladimir Putin have repeatedly said that such conscripts are not being sent to fight in Ukraine.
Speaking at an end-of-year conference with Russia's military chiefs and Putin, Shoigu also said Russia was accelerating the deployment of modern weapons supplies to the army.
— Reuters
Putin promises unrestricted financing for Russia's army
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to improve the country's military forces, promising to equip the army with modern weaponry and claiming there would be no restrictions on financial support for the armed forces.
Speaking to various military officials and members of Russia's defense ministry Wednesday, Putin discussed what Russia calls the "special military operation" in Ukraine and how the war was progressing.
He said Russia's armed forces had gained huge experience in Ukraine and that Russia will "increase its military potential," according to comments reported by Reuters, saying "we don't have any restrictions on the financing of the army."
He said the war in Ukraine had shown the importance of drones in combat (Russia has repeatedly deployed Iranian-made drones to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with devastating impact on the country's power grid) and he also claimed Russia's intercontinental ballistic "Sarmat" missile — nicknamed "Satan II" — would be ready to deploy in the "nearest future."
— Holly Ellyatt
Russian forces shell entire front line in Donetsk, official says
There is no sign that the intensity of fighting in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk is decreasing with one Ukrainian official saying that Russian forces shelled the entire fron line in the Donetsk region Tuesday night.
"At night, the Russians shelled the entire front line from Vuhledar to Lyman," Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, posted on Telegram, according to a Google translation. One person was killed and two injured in separate shelling incidents, he said.
Vuhledar lies to the southwest of Donetsk city while Lyman lies around 125 miles to the north and is situated just northeast of Sloviansk. Fighting in Donetsk has been intense for months as Russian and Ukrainian forces battle to retain, or occupy, the region.
Kyrylenko said that various civilian infrastructure and buildings had been damaged during the shelling, including houses and outbuildings. CNBC was unable to verify the information in Kyrylenko's post.
— Holly Ellyatt
Kyiv still experiencing 'difficult' power situation
Ukraine's state power grid operator said there's still a "significant power deficit" in the country's power system while the situation around Kyiv remains difficult after drone strikes at the start of the week again damaged power supplies in the region.
"As of the morning of December 21, there is still a significant power deficit in the power system, as well as restrictions caused by damage to main networks by systematic missile and drone attacks. In connection with this, consumption limits have been set for all areas, exceeding which leads to the application of emergency restrictions," Ukrenergo said on Telegram.
"At the same time, the situation in the central region, in particular in Kyiv, remains difficult."
Ukrenergo said Russian forces had again shelled de-occupied areas in the east and south with artillery, damaging power grids there as a result. The company said it was doing what it could to restore supplies and repair damage.
— Holly Ellyatt
Kremlin says no chance of Ukraine talks as Zelenskyy travels to Washington
The Kremlin said that nothing good would come from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's trip to Washington on Wednesday and that Russia saw no chance of peace talks with Kyiv.
In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that continued Western arms supplies to Ukraine would lead to a "deepening" of the conflict — something which could backfire on Kyiv, he warned.
"The supply of weapons continues and the range of supplied weapons is expanding. All of this, of course, leads to an aggravation of the conflict. This does not bode well for Ukraine," Peskov said.
Zelenskyy was due to meet U.S. President Joe Biden and Congressional leaders on Wednesday in his first foreign trip since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into his country on Feb. 24.
Asked whether Moscow had any expectations that something positive could come from Zelenskiy's trip, Peskov answered: "No".
During his visit, the United States is also set to approve the delivery of advanced Patriot missile systems to Ukraine as part of the latest multi-billion dollar package of military support for Kyiv.
— Reuters
Top Russian official Medvedev holds surprise talks with Xi Jinping
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday during a surprise trip to Beijing. The war in Ukraine was among the topics that were discussed, as was deepening ties between the two countries.
"We discussed cooperation between the two ruling parties of China and Russia ... bilateral cooperation within our strategic partnership, including on the economy and industrial production. We also discussed international issues - including, of course, the conflict in Ukraine," said Medvedev, according to a Reuters report. He is now the chairman of the leading United Russia party. "The talks were useful," he added.
China also issued a statement on the talks, saying Xi "pointed out that over the past 10 years, China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes and have always developed at a healthy and stable level."
"China is ready to work with the Russian side to push forward the China-Russia relations in the new era and jointly promote the development of global governance in a more just and reasonable direction," the statement, published by state media and translated by NBC, added.
With regard to the war in Ukraine, China said, "Xi said that on the Ukrainian crisis, China has always decided its own position and policy according to the matter itself, upholding an objective and impartial position, and actively promoting peaceful talks. It is hoped that all parties concerned will maintain rationality and restraint, engage in comprehensive dialogue and resolve common security concerns through political means."
— Holly Ellyatt
Russian infantry now likely to have 'a foothold' in Bakhmut, UK says
Britain's Ministry of Defense said Wednesday that Russian forces have seen gains toward the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk but are likely to find it challenging to fight in built-up areas of the city.
"Over the last week, Russian military and Wagner proxy forces have made small advances on the eastern edge of the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut," the ministry said in its latest intelligence update on Twitter.
"Russian infantry likely now has a foothold in the eastern industrial areas of the town, and at times has advanced into the residential district of the city. Street fighting is ongoing," the U.K. added.
Intense fighting has been taking place around Bakhmut since June, but the U.K. noted that the front lines have primarily been in open country around the eastern approaches to the town.
The ministry said that the conflict in Ukraine has, so far, not been characterized by "fighting in built up areas" since the Russian advances into Lysychansk and Severodonetsk in July.
"With FIBUA [fighting in built-up areas] demanding highly trained infantry with excellent junior level leadership, this type of combat is unlikely to favour poorly trained Wagner fighters and the Russian army's mobilised reservists."
— Holly Ellyatt
Zelenskyy to visit Washington today for talks with Biden
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Washington on Wednesday in what will be his first known trip outside Ukraine since the war began in February.
U.S. President Joe Biden will host Zelenskyy at the White House, where they will have an "extended" meeting Wednesday afternoon, a senior administration official said Tuesday. Zelenskyy will also address Congress and have other bilateral meetings.
The senior administration official told reporters that Biden will announce a package of nearly $2 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, which will include a Patriot missile system. Russia warned the U.S. against sending the missile defense system to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy tweeted earlier Wednesday that the meeting would be focused on strengthening the "resilience and defense capabilities" of Ukraine.
When asked why the visit is taking place now, and about the risk assessment for Zelenskyy to leave Ukraine, the senior administration official said the U.S. had consulted with Zelenskyy on "security parameters" for him to be able to leave the country, come to U.S. briefly, and return home to Ukraine after "a few short hours on the ground."
"He makes his own determinations about that travel based on what he believes is best going to deliver for his people. He made the same calculus when it comes to coming to the United States. He feels this is something is going to aid the fight for Ukraine, and we are determined to ensure that they fight in Ukraine by projecting a strong message of unity and resolve from the White House, from Washington," the official said.
— Holly Ellyatt
Washington prepares for possible Zelenskyy visit
White House and congressional security officials were laying the groundwork for a possible visit Wednesday from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, five other sources familiar with the planning told NBC News.
U.S. Capitol Police, State Department agents and emergency management personnel have reportedly been preparing for Zelenskyy's possible arrival. The Ukrainian president, who is currently the target of Russian forces amid its brutal assault on his country, could address lawmakers during a joint session of Congress in the House chamber, they said.
Plans are flexible and dependent on security, the sources say. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., confirmed to NBC News that she invited Zelenskyy to D.C., but she wouldn't say whether he was coming.
— Chelsey Cox
Electricity supply in Kyiv region in 'critical' state after overnight Russia attacks, Ukrainian power company says
Ukraine's state electric company said that much of the area surrounding Kyiv is experiencing significant outages due to Russian shelling and drone attacks on Monday night.
"In the capital, less than half of the consumption needs are provided, and the priority is the critical infrastructure supply," the company wrote in an update on its Facebook page.
"It is expected that today it will be possible to turn on certain equipment that will allow to slightly increase the level of power reliability, reduce the power deficit in the capital's power hub and bring power to more consumers," the company added, according to an NBC News translation.
— Amanda Macias
More than half of the homes in Ukraine damaged from Russia's war as harsh winter season sets in
The International Rescue Center, or IRC, said that more than 25% of those displaced by Russia's war do not have access to sufficient heating as the region's brutal winter season settles in.
The IRC also said that approximately 61.3% of the homes in Ukraine are damaged due to Russian shelling.
"People's capacity to cope with cold is further impaired by the destruction and failure of critical infrastructure, lack of heating and electricity and the trauma of living under constant shelling," wrote Michael Despines, IRC's regional director for Ukraine, in a release.
"We are seriously concerned that these compounded factors will lead to a serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation and spark further displacement and increase the vulnerabilities of those who are forced to stay," Despines added.
Despines said that the ongoing shelling makes it impossible to repair individual homes as well as shelters. He added that IRC teams "are determined to stay and deliver, amidst blackouts and freezing winter temperatures."
— Amanda Macias
'They are superhumans,' Zelenskyy says of soldiers in eastern frontline city
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the armed forces fighting in the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut in a surprise visit to thank soldiers in the frontline city, which has experienced intense Russian shelling for weeks.
"The East is holding out because Bakhmut is fighting. This is the fortress of our morale. In fierce battles and at the cost of many lives, freedom is being defended here for all of us," Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel.
"Bakhmut defenders deserve our maximum support and our highest gratitude," he added. "That's why I am with them today. They are superhumans. They are our strength and our heroes," Zelenskyy said.
— Amanda Macias
