Biden Discusses Russia's Attack Intensity with European Leaders

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 21st (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden discussed with leaders of major European countries the increasing intensity of attacks in Ukraine, including Russian military attacks on civilians.

The White House announced that President Biden spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding the situation in Ukraine.

During the call, which lasted about 58 minutes from 11:14 a.m. to 12:12 p.m., the leaders expressed serious concerns about Russia's brutal tactics.

They also emphasized continued support for Ukraine, including security assistance for Ukrainians defending their homeland against Russian aggression and humanitarian aid for millions who have fled the violence.

The White House stated, "The leaders also reviewed recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire."

The call, held ahead of President Biden's first European trip since the Ukraine crisis, served as a preliminary coordination for the NATO, European Union (EU), and Group of Seven (G7) summit scheduled for the 24th in Belgium.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 925 people have died and 1,496 have been injured.

The New York Times stated, "Russia's deliberate attacks on Ukrainian civilians are not part of the initially planned strategy but rather a 'Plan B.'" It explained that causing a large-scale refugee crisis is advantageous for pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a peace deal on Russia's terms.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.