Ukraine's Zelensky praises allied response amid Russia tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised Western backing in the face of Russia's military build-up and announced an expansion of the army.
Speaking in Kyiv, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki promised defensive weaponry including drones and anti-aircraft missiles but also humanitarian aid. Poland has said it is preparing for a potential big influx of Ukrainian refugees if Russia attacks. Mr Zelensky told Ukraine's parliament, the Rada, that he had signed a decree to increase the size of the Ukrainian army by 100,000 active soldiers, with the formation of 20 new brigades over three years while phasing out compulsory military service. Ukraine's professional army is vastly outnumbered by Russia's.
However, there were angry clashes between Russian and US envoys during a meeting of the UN Security Council late on Monday. Russia often deployed troops on its own territory and that this was none of Washington's business, he added. Late on Monday, the US ordered the departure of family members of American government employees from Belarus, citing the "unusual and concerning Russian military build-up". A similar order was earlier issued to families of US government personnel in the American embassy in Ukraine's capital Kyiv.
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