President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians who have been resisting Russia's military aggression for 19 days.
He stated this in his video address.
"The 19th day of our resistance is over ... Another difficult day that brings us closer to victory, brings peace closer to Ukraine. The enemy is still confused. They did not expect such resistance; they believed their propaganda, which has been lying about us for decades. They still can't recover. But they have already begun to realize that they will not achieve anything by war. Their soldiers know it. Their officers are aware of this. They flee the battlefield, leaving military vehicles and equipment. We take trophies and use them to protect Ukraine. Today, Russian troops are, in fact, one of the suppliers of military vehicles and equipment to our army. They could not see such a thing in a nightmare, "Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine addressed the Russian military in Russian:
I want to address the Russian soldiers, those who have already stepped on our land, and those still about to be sent to fight against us. Russian conscripts, listen to me very carefully. Russian officers, you already understand everything. You will not take anything from Ukraine. You will take lives ... but your life will be taken from you. But why do you need to die? I know you want to survive. In the interceptions of your conversations, we hear what you think about this war, this shame, and your state. Your conversations with each other, your calls to relatives - we hear all of this, we draw conclusions. We know who you are.
So, I offer you a choice. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, we give you a chance, a chance to survive. If you surrender to our military forces, we will treat you as we should treat people, worthy. That's not how you were treated in your army. "
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine's defenders continue to inflict significant losses on the Russian occupiers. Soon the number of helicopters that were shot down will reach 100 ... And in 19 days, Russia has lost more than in two wars against Chechnia.
The President thanked those Russians who were trying to convey the truth to their fellow citizens and oppose the war in Ukraine. He also mentioned the editor of the First TV Channel, who admitted that she was spreading propaganda.
"[I express gratitude] To those who are not afraid to protest until your country is completely closed off from the world and turned into North Korea," Zelenskyy added.
The United States supports the negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia for peace but does not see Russia's readiness to abandon the escalation and end the attack on Ukraine.