As fears grow of a Russian invasion of his country, the Ukrainian president offered to meet with his Russian counterpart. The U.S. warned of swift sanctions against Russia if it moves into Ukraine.

Olaf Scholz did not elaborate on specifics during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday but he did pledge a new round of financial assistance to Kyiv.

Ukrainians have watched the U.S. exit from Afghanistan with dismay and are desperate to hear reassurance of support as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Washington, two former U.S. diplomats write.