US Senate passes resolution to back Ukraine – Reports
As Russia aims at de-escalating the crisis, the US reaffirms its unwavering political, diplomatic, and military support to Ukraine.
A reporter of the C-SPAN broadcaster tweeted that the US Senate unanimously endorsed a bipartisan resolution in favor of "an independent and democratic Ukraine" against Russia's alleged "invasion”.
"The Senate reaffirms the United States' unwavering commitment to support the Government of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to restore its territorial integrity by providing political, diplomatic, and military support, including additional lethal and non-lethal security assistance to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities," the resolution's text reads.
Furthermore, the document added: "nothing in this resolution may be construed as (1) a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force against the Russian Federation; or (2) authorization for the introduction of the United States Armed Forces into Ukraine.”
Western countries continue to accuse Russia of planning an invasion of Ukraine, claiming a troop buildup on the border as evidence.
Igor Konashenkov, a spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry, said on Tuesday that Moscow was removing part of its forces from the Ukrainian border.
On the same day, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that some maneuvers with Belarus had come to a close, while others were continuing as planned.
Russia has consistently rejected western accusations, affirming that NATO's growing presence near its borders jeopardizes its own security.