Sunday, Russian officials requested economic and military aid from China as their invasion of Ukraine, according to multiple reports. The invasion has taken a considerable toll on the Russian economy, as countries world-wide have continued to impose sanctions aimed at crippling the country. Ukraine has also proven to be far more formidable than Russia initially expected with three weeks of resistance that has reduced Russia’s military supply.  

• Chinese President Xi Jinping: and Russian President Vladmir Putin have a close bond, including military cooperation. In a joint statement made prior to the Olympics, Xi and Putin rejected enlarging NATO.

• What officials are saying: U.S. officials were “communicating directly, privately to Beijing that there will absolutely be consequences for large-scale sanctions evasion efforts or support to Russia to backfill them,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

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