Ukraine President Zelensky in contact with US via secure satellite phone

The United States is in regular contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky through a secure satellite phone, a US official familiar with the matter said, as per CNN. 

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The satellite phone was given to the Ukrainian government by the US last month, which is before the Russian invasion, the official added. Washington DC sent the phone when it was preparing to evacuate the embassy in Kyiv as fears ounted about the Russian invasion, two US officials told CNN.

The phone allows the Ukrainian Preisdent to remain in contact with the United States when he is mobile. Zelensky is currently moving around multiple locations in Kyiv that are protected with a significant security presence, CNN reported. 

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The US also provided a similar device to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the official said, adding that it requires electricity but can operate off of a generator or energy from a car if needed.

Zelensky and US President Joe Biden spoke on Tuesday, according to the Ukrainian President and White House.

The White House, in a press release, said that the two discussed the United States’ continued backing for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

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“President Biden underscored the United States’ sustained help for Ukraine, including ongoing deliveries of security assistance, economic support, and humanitarian aid,” the press release read.

Zelensky, in an exclusive interview with CNN and Reuters, urged Biden to give a strong and useful message about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. 

He said, “It’s very serious. I’m not in a movie. I’m not iconic, I think Ukraine is iconic. Ukraine is the heart of Europe, and now I think Europe sees Ukraine is something special for this world. That’s why [the] world can’t lose this something special.”