US special envoy visits Ukraine, vows to continue flow of arms

A senior US Congressional delegation has visited Ukraine, promising Kiev to try to ensure a continued flow of weapons to the country to fight against Russian forces.

The delegation, which included Representative Adam Smith chair of the House Armed Services Committee, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Saturday.

"The United States, along with allies and partners around the world, have stood with Ukraine by providing economic, military, and humanitarian assistance," the delegation said in a statement.

"We will continue to seek ways to support President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people as effectively as possible," they added.

This visit comes after Zelensky's wife, Olena Zelenska, went to the US last week to plead for more aid. Following her plea, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan voiced concern regarding the personal safety of Zelensky.

US cites safety concerns regarding Ukrainian president

The US voices concern regarding the safety of Ukraine

He said the US was assisting with the security of the Ukrainian leader and gave assurance that the supply of weapons to Kiev would continue. 

In related news, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday that Washington would send four more high mobility artillery rocket systems to Ukraine, bringing the total provided so far to 16. 

The statement from the delegation on Saturday made no specific reference to weapons transfers. 

Separately, Smith was quoted as telling the US-backed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Washington and its allies were ready to hand over more multiple launch rocket systems.

Since the start of Russia's military campaign on Feb. 24, the US has spent $8 billion on military aid to Kiev. 

Russia: Strike in Odesa hit military boat

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says Russian forces hit a Ukrainian military boat in the port of Odesa in Ukraine with high-precision missiles.

"Kalibr missiles destroyed Odesa port's military infrastructure, sending a Ukrainian military boat to the Kiev regime's favorite address in a precision strike," Zakharova posted in Telegram.

Zakharova's comment came after Zelensky accused Russia of striking Odesa port a day after grain deal struck with the United Nations, Turkey and Ukraine.

Ukraine accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having "spit in the face" of the deal to unblock grain exports brokered by the United Nations and Turkey.

But Turkey said Saturday that Russia denied any attack on the port.

"The Russians told us that they had absolutely nothing to do with this attack and they were looking into the issue very closely," Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said.

The Ukrainian military had said its air defenses had shot down two cruise missiles but two more hit the port Saturday.

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