Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to stay in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
“I live in Kyiv,” Zelensky said in a video message, adding that he would not hide or be afraid of anyone.
He added, “Today is the twelfth night of our struggle and defense. We are all on the scene, everyone is working.. I am in Kyiv and my team is with me.”
According to the presidential office, Zelensky called up Ukrainian soldiers serving on foreign missions.
The statement said a “highly professional army” was needed in the fight against “Russian aggression”. According to Ukrainian media, the country is involved in operations in Kosovo, Congo and Cote d’Ivoire.
Zelensky said talks with Russia would continue. He added, “We are realistic. That is why we will talk. We will insist on negotiations until we find a way to say to our people: This is how we reach peace.”
He added that every day of the fighting was creating “better conditions” for Ukraine.