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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News
Cameron Frew
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed 'everyone in Europe' as Russia's invasion enters its 18th day.
Vladimir Putin's 'special military operation' has seen more than 2.5 million people flee Ukraine, thousands killed between civilian casualties and troops, and massive damage to several cities such as Kyiv and Mariupol.
According to Zelenskyy, 1,300 Ukrainian troops have been killed since Russian forces invaded the country. Nevertheless, he's steadfast in Ukraine's position, vowing it'll 'stand the test' in his latest address.
Watch Zelenskyy's address below:
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The president first addressed the 'wise people of a strong country' after another day of war came to a close. 'War for the right to be free. For the right to live on our land the way we, Ukrainians, want it. Not the way someone came up with for us. And against us. Against our nature. Against our character,' he said.
'The Russian invaders cannot conquer us. They do not have such strength. They do not have such spirit. They are holding only on violence. Only on terror. Only on weapons, which they have a lot... they are organically incapable of making life normal! Wherever Russia has come to a foreign land, dreams are impossible.'
Zelenskyy went on to cite those who've left Russia and businesses which have severed working with the country amid sanctions from the West. 'Russia loses its brains. Loses talent. Loses money,' he said.
'Ukraine will stand the test. We need time and strength to break the military machine that came to our land. I will not underestimate the threat. And I will not exaggerate the achievements. We are honest people, not Russia's Ministry of Defense. Which lies to everyone - millions of its citizens and even the head of the Russian Federation,' Zelenskyy continued.
'So I say frankly: we still need to hold on. We still have to fight. Every day and every night we must look for ways to cause maximum damage to the enemy. In all areas of defence.'
While the sanctions against Russia are wide-ranging and unlike anything seen before, Zelenskyy urged Ukraine's 'friends and partners abroad that they should do more' to help, 'because it is not only for Ukraine. This is for everyone in Europe.'
'Evil that purposefully bombs peaceful cities... evil that fires even at ambulances and blows up hospitals will not be able to stop at one country. If it has the strength to go further,' he said.
'I said this at a very important rally in support of our people, which was organised in Europe. More than a hundred thousand people in the squares of Italy and other countries of the continent gathered for a rally in support of Ukraine and against Russian aggression. Millions of people heard my appeal later thanks to broadcasts and recordings.
'We now enjoy the greatest support in the history of Ukraine for our aspirations and our independence. You can take a public opinion poll in any country and you will see that Ukraine is among the leaders of those who are sympathised with and supported.
'And Russia is not just among enemies. It is even a bigger enemy, bigger evil than North Korea. That's what Americans think, for example. Ordinary people in all states. As well as ordinary people in all European countries.
'And I am grateful to them for this extraordinary support. Grateful for understanding our struggle. Because we are united by one dream - to live freely on our land. And we have the right to what everyone has in the free world. To a safe sky, as well as to our own land.'
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information