She declined.

WP writes that Navalnaya also refused to attend Biden's speech. Navalnaya's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, explained that this was due to her fatigue and need to "recover" after the death of her husband and the travelling she has been doing recently.

Both of them declined it seems.

"The Embassy of Ukraine in the United States has indeed recently received an invitation for the First Lady of Ukraine to attend the US President's speech in Congress on 7 March. However, due to events added to the schedule earlier, including a visit to Kyiv by orphans, unfortunately, the first lady will not be able to attend," the Office of the President said.

Shame but understandable...

Another problem for Kyiv, which is seeking additional security assistance from the US, is reportedly its close relationship with Biden. The US president has been Ukraine's main defender, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been trying to avoid further politicising the war effort.

The newspaper writes that Ukraine is now desperately lobbying Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote in favour of Biden's request for US$60 billion in aid, a package that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump opposes. WP notes that Ukraine is running out of artillery and beginning to lose strategic cities along the front line.

By urging lawmakers to support financial aid, Ukraine does not want to offend Republicans, who may control the White House next year depending on the outcome of the November elections.

Russia's FSB Detains Crimean Tatar Activists, Religious Figures

Reuters: Turkish Oil Terminal Refuses Russian Imports Amid US Sanctions

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrants For Russian Military Commanders

Deportation and Re-Education: Life in Russian-Occupied Areas of Ukraine

Ukraine Is Now Fighting Russia in Sudan

India Cautious on Contracted Russian Oil as US Sanctions Bite - Bloomberg

Moldova and France will sign a defence cooperation accord on Thursday as part of the West's efforts to strengthen the former Soviet state's capabilities amid what they fear are increasing efforts by Russia to destabilise Moldova.

France and Moldova to Sign Defence Pact Amid Fears of Russian Destabilisation | Reuters

Armenia said Wednesday that it had officially asked Russia to withdraw its border guards from an airport in Yerevan.

Armenia Asks Moscow to Remove Border Guards From Yerevan Airport - The Moscow Times

The Biden administration is weighing whether it can tap around $200 million in US Army funding to provide Ukraine immediate support as a larger aid package remains stalled in Congress, according to people familiar with the matter.

To Aid Ukraine, US Weighs Tapping Army Reserves - Bloomberg

Ukraine's allies have lined up nearly all the funding required for a Czech-led initiative to purchase hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, according to a government official familiar with the arrangements.

The commitments mean that the shells could be delivered to Ukraine in a matter of weeks, according to separate people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The precise timing would depend on contractual and delivery schedules, and could slip, the people cautioned.

Ukraine Allies Line Up Funds for 800,000 Artillery Shells - Bloomberg

One of Europe’s biggest arms manufacturers is offering to help Ukraine ramp up its own production of heavy ammunition as the country struggles to repel the Russian invasion amid dwindling western aid.

Czech Billionaire Wants to Help Ukraine Make More Ammunition - Bloomberg

Words.

Maybe the ambassador from Sweden will be there tomorrow night.

For some context, I live in the State of New Hampshire, USA

Ukraine's deep strikes are impressive.

Ever since I became of age to vote, the choices have been quite bad. I guess that is a reason for me being in Japan instead.