John Kirby [White House press conference]: We've warned that President Putin still aims to conquer Ukraine, and we've been working to ensure Ukraine has the equipment it need to defend it's territory. Just today, we announced another package of security assistance, which includes air defense capabilities, Javelin anti-tank missiles, more artillery ammunition, and more ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, otherwise known as HIMARS.

Kirby: We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders. We also have information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units if they seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire. Russia's mobilized forces remain undertrained, underequipped, and unprepared for combat.

[who is the source for that 'information'? Zelenskyy?]

Reporter: There is a Pentagon official, Ariane Tabatabai, she was alleged to be involved in an Iranian government influence operation…she is now the chief of staff for the office that is overseeing hostage negotiations. Is it appropriate for someone with these connections to the Iranian regime to be overseeing rescue operations for Americans that are being held by Iran-backed proxies?

Kirby: I'd have to refer you to the Defense Department to speak to that.