Live updates: Russia invades Ukraine

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin The decision to put the Russian nuclear forces on high alert They are part of a broader pattern of unjustified escalation and “artificial threats” from the Kremlin.

“This is a pattern from President Putin and we will defend it, we have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to recall what we see here from President Putin,” she added.

When asked about more military aid or sanctions, Psaki said the United States is ready to send more military, humanitarian, economic and defense supplies, noting the administration’s latest aid announcements since the conflict began.

“I would like to note that the sanctions that we announced yesterday put Russia on an equal footing with Iran, and cut it off from the banking system with the international community,” Psaki said.

Pressing whether the United States would take more immediate action against Russia’s energy sector, Psaki said everything was “on the table,” adding that the administration believes the current conflict demonstrates that the United States should boost its domestic energy supply and diversify what is Beyond that. oil and gas.

Psaki added that the United States remains in close contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and praised him for his leadership during the first few days of the current war.

“He stands bravely against the invasion of President Putin and the Russian leadership,” Psaki said. We will remain in close contact with him.”