Ukrainian soldiers repelled a Russian assault on Kyiv, but “sabotage elements” penetrated the capital, officials claimed Saturday, as Ukraine recorded 198 civilian fatalities, including children, as a result of Russia’s invasion.
Even as Russia claimed to have fired cruise missiles at military sites, Ukraine’s resolute President Volodymyr Zelensky said his pro-Western country would never cave in to the Kremlin.
On the third day of Russia’s invasion, with explosions ringing across Kyiv, Zelensky spoke in a video message, dressed in olive green military-style attire and looked fatigued but resolute.
“I’ve arrived. We will not lay down our arms. We will protect our country because our weapons are the truth “claimed the 44-year-old.
“Our reality is that this is our land, our nation, and our children, and we will defend them all.”
Ignoring Western warnings, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion, forcing about 116,000 people to escape to neighbouring nations, according to the UN refugee agency.
Tens of thousands more are expected to be displaced within Ukraine, with many relocating to the country’s less afflicted western regions.