WASHINGTON, Feb 24, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Joe Biden spoke with his Ukrainian
counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky late Wednesday night in Washington, the White
House said, with the US president vowing "support and assistance."

  The conversation came soon after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine
overnight, with explosions heard in multiple parts of the country.

  "We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the
Ukrainian people," Biden said in a statement.

  Biden condemned the "unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military
forces," adding that Zelensky requested the US president "call on the leaders
of the world to speak out clearly" against Russian President Vladimir Putin's
"flagrant aggression."