Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday morning that his country’s defense forces, which far outnumbered him, held their ground against the Russian invasion during another night of punitive air strikes.
“We have been wanted so many times. Couldn’t. So much we have gone through! And if someone thinks that, having overcome all this, Ukrainians are scared, broken or surrender – he knows nothing about it. Ukraineand he has nothing to do in Ukraine, ”Zelensky said in his latest video message. “We have nothing to lose but our own freedom.”
Zelensky said his country receives more and more weapons and other supplies from its international allies. The Biden administration, while reluctant to send US troops or planes to help Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, supplies large quantities of weapons to the country. A U.S. official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday that 200 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles were among the goods delivered to Ukraine, and hundreds more were sent – all part of a $ 350 million military package.
But the United States and NATO have refused to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, as requested by Ukrainian leaders, considering the prospect of direct fire between NATO and Russian planes too risky. Thus, Ukraine remains to withstand Russia’s devastating air strike, and although a second round of direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations was expected this week, the US ambassador to the UN warned on Wednesday that Russia appears to be “preparing to tighten its campaign”.
More than 1 million people have already fled the country. The UN Office for Human Rights reports that 227 civilians were killed and another 525 wounded. Ukrainian officials estimate the death toll among the civilian population is more than 2,000, including 21 children. Russia has confirmed military losses, saying nearly 500 of its troops have been killed, but Zelensky says Putin’s forces have lost more than 9,000. Ukraine has not disclosed its own military figures.
