President Pavel urges US to approve funding for Ukraine

Czech President Petr Pavel has called on the US House of Representatives to approve the aid package for Ukraine. Speaking to CNN's Christiane Amanpour, the Czech head of state stressed the importance of US assistance, saying that while Europe is trying to increase its share of aid to Kyiv and accept a greater share of responsibility the United States is still providing at least 50 percent of the aid. "Ukraine is as important for Europe as it is for the United States and the whole democratic world. It is not just about defending a sovereign state and its territory, but about the principles and values that we share and that we should protect" Pavel said. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the aid package on Saturday.