Ukraine's president has rejected the United States' proposal to evacuate Kyiv
Key Takeaways:
- As invading Russian forces advance Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has turned down the US government's offer to leave the country.
- The UN Security Council also failed to approve a resolution endorsed by the West calling for an unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, as Russia vetoed it as expected.
As per the Associated Press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declined the US government's invitation to depart the nation as invading Russian soldiers move in on Kyiv. "The struggle is here; I need ammo, not a ride," an optimistic Zelenskiy remarked after the US requested him to leave his nation, according to the Associated Press, quoting a senior American intelligence officer familiar with the exchange.
Despite repeated requests from the West to withdraw from Ukrainian territory and conform to the precepts of international law and the United Nations Charter, Russian forces continue to encircle Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been dismissive of such appeals, even encouraging Ukraine's soldiers to revolt.
As rumors spread on social media that Zelenskiy was fleeing the country, the Ukrainian President uploaded a video of himself and his closest advisers standing outside the presidential palace, promising to defend Kyiv against the Russian invasion.
"We've all arrived. Our armed forces have arrived. The citizens of society have arrived. We're all here to protect our country's independence, and we'll keep it that way, "According to Zelensky.
The Ukrainian President has sought military assistance from other countries, particularly the West. On Friday, Zelensky claimed he had discussed military help and sanctions with US Vice President Joe Biden.
"Strengthening sanctions, concrete defense help, and an anti-war coalition have just been discussed," Zelensky posted on Twitter, thanking the US for its "strong" support.
The UN Security Council also failed to pass the West-backed resolution asking for an unconditional withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, as Russia vetoed it as predicted. 11 members voted in favor of the motion. At the same time, three abstained, including India and China.