Busy Weekend Surrounding Ukraine

On Friday, President Biden reasserted the American public that US soliders will not be fighting Russia in Ukraine. When asked about Russia's use of chemcial weapons in Ukraine (a question that forces Biden to "red line" his answer), Biden warns of a "severe price" to the Russians, whatever that means.

This speech did not spot the US government from deciding to send $14 billion dollars in aid to Ukraine. This includes:

though $3 billion will go directly to US forces to cover costs of repositioning troops to NATO’s “eastern flank.” At least $7.5 billion will actually go to Kiev’s military, however, with another $3.5 billion devoted to weapons and $4 billion for humanitarian efforts amid a Russian invasion launched in late February.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine haven't made much progress, but headlines are still coming out saying "progress" has been made. On Monday, the news was that we could have a deal in "a few days", however, below the headline both parties say they are not moving on their demands.

The biggest story of this week looks to be a back and forth between the US and China, over US "reports" that China is ready to provide Russia military assistance. This line was plastered on the Sunday mainstream news, the source being "unamed US officials". Talks between House National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan and China's top foreign policy official Yang Jiechi met in Rome on Monday.

Since then, China seems to be playing up the charges a bit. A lot of bluster from all sides, as the war continues to slide into a proxy-insurgency war much like Syria.

Sources:

• https://news.antiwar.com/2022/03/13/russia-targets-ukrainian-base-housing-foreign-fighters/
• https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/exclusive-facebook-instagram-temporarily-allow-calls-violence-against-russians-2022-03-10/
• https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2022-03-11/aviation-industry-mum-russias-veiled-manpad-warning