Live updates: Biden and Putin to speak ahead of Russia-Ukraine war’s anniversary

China ‘deeply worried’ over escalation of war

China is “deeply worried” about the war in Ukraine spiraling out of control, the country’s foreign minister said Tuesday.

“We urge certain countries to immediately stop fueling the fire, stop shifting blame to China and stop touting Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow,” Qin Gang told a security conference in Beijing, in an apparent dig at the United States and its allies’ support towards both Ukraine and Taiwan.

“Since the outbreak of the crisis, China has taken an objective and impartial stance based on the merits of the issues,” he said.

While China has long refrained from condemning Moscow for its invasion, he said China was seeking “common security” and was ready to promote dialogue and consultation towards ending the crisis.

Russian ruble weakens ahead of Putin address to parliament

This content was produced in Russia, where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine.

MOSCOW — The ruble weakened on Tuesday despite increased demand for the currency as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to address lawmakers on the Ukraine conflict.

Early Tuesday, the ruble was 0.7% weaker against the dollar at 75.05, edging closer to an almost 10-month low of 75.30 hit on Friday.

The currency is usually in greater demand before month-end taxes are due on Feb. 28, when exporters typically convert their foreign currency revenue.

“The weakening in the first half of February is to a large degree linked with psychological pessimism over the expectation of new sanctions,” said Andrei Kochetkov, lead analyst at Otkritie Research.

Some House Republicans criticize Biden for trip into Ukraine

Biden’s surprise trip to Ukraine on Monday drew a range of attacks from conservative Republicans who accused him of neglecting issues back at home, including the southern border.

Read more here.

Rep. Jason Crow on why he thinks Biden should send Ukraine F-16s

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., is one of five lawmakers hailing from both parties who signed a letter pressing Biden to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine — military assistance Biden has previously said the U.S. would not be willing to provide.

Crow said in an interview on “Andrea Mitchell Reports” Monday that Ukraine needs the jets in order “to go on the offensive and retake territory as soon as the mud season ends, otherwise the Russians will rebuild their military power and will continue to try to press this fight.”

The fourth-generation fights would give Ukraine a chance at establishing air superiority, “which they haven’t been able to do since the first days of the war,” Crow added.

Surprise and joy greeted Biden as Kyiv’s mystery guest

Before news of Biden’s secret trip filtered out, residents of the Ukrainian capital reported closed roads and unusual traffic jams, stoking the social media rumor mill with suggestions of a high-profile guest.

Few expected to see the president of the United States walking around the center of town soon after, an unannounced ambassador of hope that the Western alliance backing Ukraine’s defense against the Kremlin’s attacks can remain strong.

Evheniy Lazarenko, 30, told NBC News he was surprised given the dangers involved, which made Biden’s presence all the more appreciated. Read more from on the ground in Kyiv here.