On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. will ban all imports of Russian fuel, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. is far less dependent on Russia for fuel than other nations, but Biden indicated the action sends a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Biden’s action comes after pleas from Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to put more economic pressure on Russia. Biden also called on Congress to pass a $12 billion aid package for Ukraine. On this 13th day of the Russian invasion, Ukrainian forces are holding onto control of the capital city Kyiv, but in Mariupol in the south, officials say civilians are trapped and struggling to get food and water as Russia’s military continues its bombardment. Ukrainian officials say Russia is violating cease-fire agreements on some escape routes although people have been able to evacuate from the eastern city of Sumy. About 2 million Ukrainians have now fled their country, according to the U.N.
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th) discusses these latest developments.
