By Jasper Ward
WASHINGTON (Portal) – U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on Saturday as mutinous Russian mercenaries stormed Moscow after capturing a southern city overnight, the White House said.
“The heads of state and government discussed the situation in Russia. They have also reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine,” the statement read.
Biden was briefed on the situation in Russia by his national security team on Saturday morning, the White House said, adding that the president will continue to be briefed throughout the day.
A spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that during the meeting the four leaders reiterated their commitment to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as needed.
The office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a similar pledge on Ukraine, saying leaders “agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days”.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke to G7 counterparts.
The move by Wagner Group mercenaries presents Russian President Vladimir Putin with the first serious challenge to his seizure of power in his 23-year rule.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke and David Milliken; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Frances Kerry)