President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the Ukrainian delegation's work in negotiations with the Russian Federation. At the same time, he noted that some time is needed for decisions to be in the interests of Ukraine.
"Free people of a free country! Eight years of war in Donbas, 20 days of a full-scale invasion. The third week is almost over. We all want peace as soon as possible. We all want victory. And there is always a feeling that a little bit more and we will get what belongs us, to Ukraine, by right ... But we still need effort patience, we still need to fight, and we need to work - everyone in his place, everyone, in particular, our representatives, our delegation in negotiations with the Russian Federation.
It is important. It is difficult but essential because any war ends with an agreement. Meetings continue. As I was told, the positions in the negotiations sound more realistic. However, there is still time for decisions to be in Ukraine's interests. Our heroes, our defenders, give us this time by defending Ukraine everywhere. Wherever the enemy wants to breakthrough, "the President said in his video address.
Zelenskyy noted that the Russian occupiers failed in battles against the defenders of Ukraine, although thousands of their men fought. The enemy lost military vehicles and equipment, hundreds of soldiers, including many conscripts, and another general was killed.
"At least one general today," the President said.
He also emphasized that the Russian militaries continue to commit war crimes - shelling peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure. The number of missiles used by Russia against Ukraine already exceeds 900, and the number of air bombs is so significant "that it is impossible to count them."
The President also noted that two other journalists were killed due to an artillery strike by Russia - Oleksandra Kuvshynova from Ukraine and Pierre Zakrzewski, a representative of the American Fox News. In addition, another journalist was severely injured. The shelling took place in the Kyiv region.
Zelenskyy also addressed Russians, authorities, and media in Russia. The President spoke in Russian:
"Citizens of Russia! Anyone who has access to truthful information already could realize how this war will end for your country. Shame and poverty. Many years of isolation. A ruthless, repressive system will treat Russian citizens just as inhumanely as you, the occupiers, and the Ukrainians. It depends on your actions what will happen next.
I want to say directly to all Russian authorities, to all those connected to the current government. If you remain in office, if you do not oppose the war, the international community will deprive you of everything. Everything you have earned over the years. This process has already started.
The same goes for the propaganda system—the fourth branch of government in Russia. If you keep working for propaganda, you put yourself at much greater risk than if you leave. Just quit. The threat of sanctions and the international tribunal for the propaganda of aggressive war, for the justification of war crimes.
Quit! A few months without work is better for you than a lifetime of international persecution. "
The negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and country-aggressor Russia will continue on 16 March 2022. So far, they have not brought significant results yet. The parties agreed on humanitarian corridors for residents of cities bombed by Russia. However, the occupiers continue to blockade people in the area of their shelling. There were also cases of shelling of evacuation convoys by the Russians.
According to the General Staff, as of 15 March 2022, Russia had lost up to 40% of its troops involved in the war against Ukraine. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24 February to 15 March 2022 reached approximately 13,500 people.
The Russian army, violating international humanitarian law, conducts chaotic territory mining.