Biden seeks new sanctions and assistance for Ukrainians in Europe

The president of the United States of America, Joe Biden, will meet with the main allies in Brussels and Warsaw this week, until leaders try to prevent Russia's fight against Ukraine from going into an even greater disaster.

Biden fears that Russia can use chemical or nuclear weapons until its conquest is mired in the face of logistical problems and severe Ukrainian resistance.

Humanitarian challenges are growing, too. Millions of refugees have fled the fighting, largely crossing the border in Poland, and war has endangered Ukraine's wheat and barley crops, increasing the likelihood of growing hunger in poorer areas around the globe.

Jake Sullivan, Biden National Security adviser, said the president would co-ordinate with allies for military assistance to Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. He added that Biden is working on long-term efforts to increase defence in Eastern Europe, where more countries fear Russian aggression. The president is also aiming to reduce the continent's dependence on Russian energy.

“This war will not end easily, or soon”, Sullivan told reporters at a White House conference Tuesday.

Sullivan stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin's references to nuclear weapons at the beginning of the conflict are “something that we have to worry about”, adding that Biden would speak to allies for “possible response” if the Russian leader takes that step.

Beden will also participate in European Union and G7 meetings, which includes the world's richest democracies.

He will then travel to Warsaw on Friday, where Polish officials are expected to discuss the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Beden is scheduled to meet with Polish President Andreze Duda on Saturday. / REL