“We will continue to provide Ukraine with defensive capabilities to meet its needs,” said John Kirby, public relations coordinator for the US National Security Council. “Reports of mass graves in Ukraine are appalling.”

He stressed: “We will continue to support efforts to document war crimes and atrocities committed by Russian troops in Ukraine,” noting that “we made a serious offer to Moscow to release American citizens, but she did not respond to our offer.”

Kirby noted, “We continue to provide support to ensure Ukraine’s success on the battlefield and at the negotiating table,” noting that “only President Volodymyr Zelensky can judge the success or failure of an operation.”

He emphasized that “the designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism would make it more difficult for humanitarian aid to reach Ukraine,” adding: “The designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism could limit Zelensky’s flexibility at the negotiating table.” He stressed that “the appointment of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism jeopardizes the current grain deal.”