8:21 p.m. ET, March 5, 2022
Biden speaks with Zelensky about ongoing efforts to "raise costs on Russia for invading Ukraine"
From CNN’s DJ Judd
US President Joe Biden "highlighted the ongoing actions undertaken by the United States, its Allies and partners, and private industry to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine," in a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Saturday evening, the White House said.
“In particular, he welcomed the decision this evening by Visa and Mastercard to suspend service in Russia,” the White House said.
“President Biden noted his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding.”
The call lasted for about 30 minutes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the US for assistance in establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine during
a Zoom call with US lawmakers earlier Saturday, according to a person familiar with the session.
Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly pleaded with NATO and Western officials to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, a move which could prevent Russian forces from carrying out airstrikes against their country.
In the Zoom call, Zelensky also asked US senators for greater sanctions on Russia, including on energy, and for more military assistance directed to Ukrainian forces. He thanked the US for the support it has delivered so far, but his overall message was that his country needs more help as it strains against Russia's invasion.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the two leaders have spoken at least five times.
On Saturday’s call, the White House said Biden “reiterated his concern about the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, and he commended the skill and bravery of the Ukrainian operators who have kept the reactors in safe condition.”
Putin's warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Saturday he would consider countries imposing a
no-fly zone over Ukraine as "participants in a military conflict."
But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that a no-fly zone is not an option being considered by the alliance.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that establishing such a zone could lead to a "full-fledged war in Europe," but added Washington would continue to work with its allies to provide Ukrainians with the means to defend themselves from Russian aggression.