President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has told Ukrainians they have “withstood the blow” of Russia’s invasion as he urged citizens of his country to continue fighting.
In a speech delivered from Kyiv on Saturday night, Mr Zelensky told the country that the time has come for them to launch a fightback.
“Go on the offensive! You need to go outside! You have to fight!”, Zelensky said:
Zelensky also urged Ukrainians to continue fighting to drive out evil from the country.
Zelensky, who has said he is Russia’s top enemy target, remains in hiding in the country, filming the addresses from undisclosed locations.
“Every meter of our Ukrainian land won by protest and humiliation of the invaders is a step forward, a step towards victory for our entire state. This is a chance to live. Ukrainians! In all our cities where the enemy entered, feel it. Go on the offensive! You need to go outside! You have to fight!” Zelensky said in the address, posted to his Instagram account with English subtitles late on Saturday. “You need to go out and drive this evil out of our cities.”
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Zelensky also urged Ukrainians to “fight for your rights! For your freedom. For Ukraine,” adding: “Look at what Russia has done. It did it right in front of your eyes. Protect yourself! Otherwise, it will take your life, too.”
Zelensky also spoke with US lawmakers on Saturday, including President Joe Biden. During a Zoom call with more than 280 members of Congress, Zelensky called for harsher sanctions against Russia, a “no-fly zone” over Ukraine, and for more fighter jets to be delivered to the country.
This is coming when the United States, US, officials are discussing with Poland over the possibility of providing Ukraine with a number of MiG fighter jets.
The war, which entered the 11th day, has seen Russian forces capturing one major Ukrainian city, Kherson.
The Russian forces are, however, still advancing towards Kyiv.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin has insisted that the operation is “going according to plan.”
