First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, Agence France-Presse, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM
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Zelenskyy to meet Biden, address Congress as war rages on, by Zeke Miller, Lisa Mascaro and E. Eduardo Castillo | AP WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was making his way to Washington today for a summit with President Joe Biden and to address Congress in his first known trip outside the country since Russia’s invasion began in February. Zelenskyy said the visit was “to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities” of Ukraine and . . . READ MORE . . .
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Ukraine’s Zelenskiy goes to Washington seeking ‘weapons, weapons and more weapons’, by Tom Balmforth, Pavel Polityuk and Steve Holland | Reuters * U.S. package for Ukraine of nearly $2 bln to be announced * Zelenskiy’s first trip abroad since Russian invasion began * Says trip meant to boost Kyiv’s ‘defence capabilities’ * U.S. Patriot missile battery part of new aid * Zelenskiy gave medals to troops in war-torn frontline town | KYIV/WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy headed to Washington today to meet President Joe Biden, address Congress and seek “weapons, weapons and more weapons” in his first overseas trip since Russia invaded Ukraine 300 days ago. Zelenskiy said the visit . . . READ MORE . . .
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Putin points to Russia’s security buffer in military field. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russia has a certain margin of safety in the military field, President Vladimir Putin said today. “The state of our armed forces, as well as the fact that we have advanced weapons and equipment that other countries don’t have create a certain margin . . . READ MORE . . .
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Ukraine conflict ‘shared tragedy’ but not Russia’s fault: Putin. From AFP. Russian President Vladimir Putin today described the conflict in Ukraine as a “shared tragedy” but placed blame for the outbreak of hostilities on Ukraine and its allies, not Moscow. “What is happening is, of course, a tragedy — our shared tragedy. But it is not the result of our policy. It is the result . . READ MORE . . .
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Zelenskyy leaves Ukraine for an unexpected and high-profile visit to the U.S. Reported by Leila Fadel and Asma Khalid | NPR Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House and address Congress — in a trip aimed at underscoring U.S. support for the country in its war with Russia. Click HERE to listen.
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Zelenskyy aims to shore up support with White House, Congress and American people. A Martínez of NPR talks with Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, about what President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington means for the war in Ukraine and U.S.-Ukrainian relations. Click HERE to listen.
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Despite sanctions on Russia since it invaded Ukraine, the war continues. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR The international community has slapped an unprecedented number of sanctions on Russia since it invaded Ukraine. What impact have they had? (Story first aired on Weekend Edition Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022.) Click HERE to listen.
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TO BE CONTINUED