* Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the US' 'unwavering support' for Ukraine as Russia moved trains carrying military vehicles toward the border
* A number of American officials have reached out to their Ukrainian counterparts this week over concerning moves by Russia's military
* Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday in the face of 'Russia's ongoing aggression in the Donbas and Crimea'
* Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley spoke with both his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts
* Military intelligence reports said around 4,000 heavily armed Russian forces had been seen moving in Crimea, which officials believe was an exercise
* Still, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that he believe the moves represented a 'threat'
* The military exercise could be a message for President Joe Biden who has been tougher on Russia, sanctioning some entities and calling Vladimir Putin a 'killer'
The Biden administration has given Ukraine its full backing as new video showed Russia sending trains filled with tanks and military vehicles into Crimea.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States' 'unwavering support' for Kiev as tensions continue to escalate with Moscow.
The Kremlin said on Thursday the West should not 'worry' about Russian troop movements on the Ukrainian border, but there are co
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MIDDLE EAST
Houthis claimed to have launched drone attacks on Saudi capital.
World powers, Iran to hold virtual nuclear talks Friday.
Iran, world powers to discuss US return to nuclear deal.
Iraqi PM seeks to boost ties on his first visit to Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon on brink of hunger crisis; meat is a 'luxury'.
Islamic party leader, surprise kingmaker calls for new Israel 'reality'.
Pressure mounts on Palestinian president after jailed Barghouti backs rivals.
ASIA
Myanmar military charges Suu Kyi with breaking official secrets law.
Myanmar junta orders shutdown of wireless internet services.
Afghanistan’s president says will step aside if election is held.
India expands Covid-19 vaccine drive as virus surge worsens.
US, Philippines discuss Chinese ‘swarming’ in South China Sea.
Hong Kong pro-democracy activists found guilty.
US: We we will work in ‘lockstep’ with Japan, S Korea on N Korea.
New Zealand defends absence from joint statement on World Health Organization coronavirus report.
AFRICA
Evidence suggests Ethiopian military carried out massacre in Tigray.
Joy, agony as boat brings Mozambique attack survivors to safety.
‘Catastrophic’: Africa CDC issues warning over India shot delays.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan set for more dam talks after El-Sissi issues stark warning.
Niger's new president begins battle to stabilize country.
Gbagbo supporters in Ivory Coast welcome ICC decision to uphold acquittal.
Oxfam suspends two aid workers amid sex exploitation claims in DR Congo.
EUROPE
Ukraine accuses Russia of 'aggravating' situation in Donbass.
Dutch PM Mark Rutte at risk of no-confidence vote.
Merkel ally breaks ranks, calls for halt to Nord Stream 2.
Russia now requires all smartphones and devices in the country to have Russian software preinstalled.
AMERICAS
Average daily Covid deaths in the US fall below 1,000 for the first time in nearly five MONTHS - despite CDC director's warning of 'impending doom'.
US draws close to 100M vaccinations as baseball resumes.
Argentina sees steep climb in poverty due to coronavirus.
FBI background checks for gun buyers soar by 36% to a record 4.7 MILLION in March amid debate over gun control legislation and two mass shootings.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Woman gunned down by Indonesia police was 'lone wolf,' authorities say.
Islamist Group asks Somalis to shun AstraZeneca shots on effects.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
OPEC+ agrees to ease oil production cuts as it bets on increased demand amid Covid pandemic recovery.
