"US Will Rally Global Opposition To Russian Annexations"

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has told reporters that the US will lead the global response to Russian annexations of Ukrainian territory and deliver a package of military aid targeting recent Russian success on the battlefield.

• Jean-Pierre: "Every aspect of this referendum process was pre-staged and orchestrated by the Kremlin."
• "The Russian government falsified the results to advance the lie that Ukrainian people want to be part of Russia."
• "The world sees very very clearly that Ukrainians do not want to be part of Russia. They have courageously resisted Russia's invasion and defended their territory heroically."
• "We will work to impose additional economic costs on Russian individuals and entities who support this action."
• "Today the United States is announcing a new USD$1.1 billion package of weapons and equipment for Ukraine."
• Jean-Pierre specifies that the new package will include 18 new HIMAR systems. The medium range missile system which underpinned the recent Ukrainian counteroffensive.
• Jean-Pierre also specifies that the package will include counter-drone systems which are likely a response to significant Russian gains made through the use of Iranian Shahed and Mohajer combat drones.