Russia-Ukraine updates: Russian missile strikes hit multiple Ukrainian cities

Dozens of injuries were reported in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Russia has continued a nearly 19-month-long invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Recently, though, the Ukrainians have gone on a counteroffensive, fighting to reclaim occupied territory.

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Biden, Zelenskyy meet in Lithuania

An in-person meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Joe Biden is currently underway in Lithuania's capital.

Zelenskyy took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to announce that their bilateral meeting in Vilnius "has begun." It's the third face-to-face meeting to take place between the two leaders this year.

"The focus is on security and everything that enhances it," Zelenskyy tweeted. "It will be meaningful."


G-7 reaffirms 'unwavering commitment' to Ukraine in joint declaration

In a joint declaration released Wednesday, the leaders of the Group of Seven reaffirmed their "unwavering commitment to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine."

"We will stand with Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression, for as long as it takes," the joint declaration states.

G-7 leaders wrote in the joint declaration that they are working to "formalize" their "enduring support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, rebuilds its economy, protects its citizens, and pursues integration into the Euro-Atlantic community."

They also said they will "work with Ukraine" on an "enhanced package of security commitments and arrangements in case of future aggression to enable Ukraine to defend its territory and sovereignty."

The G-7 is an intergovernmental political forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman


Ukraine 'is bringing home significant security victory,' Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy applauded the "outcome" of the annual NATO summit on Wednesday, describing the new commitments to his country as a "significant security victory."

"Ukrainian delegation is bringing home significant security victory," Zelenskyy said in brief remarks alongside world leaders in Lithuana's capital. "For our country, for our people, for our children."

Zelenskyy's laudatory tone was a sharp departure from his comments on Twitter the previous day. He told reporters that the long-term commitments announced by G-7 leaders on Wednesday would "absolutely" open "new security opportunities" and that he was "grateful."

"I thank everyone who made it possible," he added.

-ABC News' Cheyenne Haslett


G-7 leaders stand with Zelenskyy to announce long-term security commitments for Ukraine

G-7 leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden stood alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Lithuania's capital on Wednesday to announce a new long-term security package for Ukraine's future, while reaffirming that Kyiv has a place in NATO -- but not yet.

"All our allies agreed Ukraine's future lies in NATO. That's not a surprise to any of us, I don't think. I hope it's not a surprise to you, Mr. President," Biden said, turning to Zelenskyy during the press conference in Vilnius.

"Ukraine continues to make progress on necessary reforms," he added. "But we're not waiting for that process to be finished to make the long-term commitments that we're making to Ukraine security."

The U.S. commander in chief said he and Zelenskyy discussed what guarantees could be made to Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv earlier this year.

"Today, the members of the G-7 are launching the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine to make it clear that our support will last long into the future," Biden told reporters. "This starts the process by which each of our nations and any other nation who wishes to participate will negotiate long-term bilateral security commitments with and to Ukraine."

"We're going to help Ukraine build a strong, capable defense across land, air and sea," he added, "from which will be a force of stability in the region and deter against any and all threats."

-ABC News' Molly Nagle


Russian defense minister speaks out first time since rebellion

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made his first public comments since last month’s failed rebellion led by Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively engaged with his commanders
Shoigu said that Putin listens to "very detailed reports" twice a day and "all commanders on all levels understand and feel all the weight of responsibility that was placed on them."

"They carry out their responsibilities with great pride," he said.

Shoigu claimed that Ukraine hasn't achieved any of its goals in its counteroffensive. The defense minster added that Russia may be using cluster munitions following the announcement that Ukraine will be receiving similar weapons from the U.S.

"If the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces will be forced to use similar weapons against the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a response," he said.

-ABC News' Natalia Shumskaia, Ellie Kaufman and Will Gretsky