Digital Desk: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declined the US government’s offer to vacate the nation as invading Russian forces move in onto Kyiv, Associated Press reports said.
“The struggle is here; I need ammo, not a ride, an optimistic Zelenskiy remarked after the US requested him to leave his nation, according to the Associated Press.
Despite repeated requests from the West to withdraw from Ukrainian territory and adhere to the precepts of international law and the United Nations Charter, Russian forces continue to encircle Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been dismissive of such appeals, even encouraging Ukraine’s soldiers to revolt.
As rumours spread on social media that Zelenskiy was fleeing the country, the Ukrainian President uploaded a video of himself and his closest advisers standing outside the presidential palace, vowing to defend Kyiv against the Russian invasion.
“We’ve all arrived. Our armed forces have arrived. The citizens of society have arrived. We’re all here to defend our country’s independence, and we’ll keep it that way,” said Zelensky in the video.
Earlier, the Ukrainian President has sought military assistance from other countries, particularly the West. On Friday, Zelensky said he had asked for military help and sanctions from US President Joe Biden.
“Strengthening sanctions, concrete defence help, and an anti-war coalition have just been discussed,” Zelensky posted on Twitter, thanking the US for its “strong” support.
The UN Security Council also failed to pass the West-backed resolution asking for an unconditional withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, as Russia vetoed it as expected. Eleven members voted in favour of the resolution, while three abstained, including India and China.
Also Read: Why Russia invaded Ukraine?
