US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States has vowed more punitive measures against Russia “till the time it does not end the war on Ukraine”. In his latest remarks, Blinken said, “We will continue to increase the costs on Russia until it ends this war of choice.”

He further said that the US will continue to provide life-saving aid to the Ukrainian people. This also comes ahead of US President Joe Biden’s call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Also read: Arnold Schwarzenegger to Putin: This is not the Russian people’s war

As US and China continue to clash over what has been claimed as Beijing’s support to Russia, Joe Biden will speak to Xi Jinping on a telephone call to discuss the Moscow-Ukraine war. The US president is set to warn his Chinese counterpart that they will impose costs if China backs Russia.

Also read: Ukraine citizens fleeing Russian invasion can stay in Canada for 3 years: Report

According to a statement released by the White House, the conversation is a part of “ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication” between the two countries.

“The two leaders will discuss managing the competition between our countries as well as Russia’s war against Ukraine and other issues of mutual concern,” the statement said.

Also read: Ukrainian mother-of-12 dies fighting Russian forces

This is the first conversation between the two leaders since November.

Earlier, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi held a meeting in Rome where the US warned China of ‘significant consequences’ if they keep supporting Russia’s assaults on Ukraine.

Also read: Who was Jimmy Hill? Minnesota native killed by Russian sniper in Ukraine

Meanwhile, as Russia continues its onslaught in Ukraine for the fourth straight week, several people have been killed and many have fled the war-torn country.

A US citizen who had been caring for his partner in a Ukrainian hospital was also killed in Russia’s attack.