Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday released a video from the streets of Kyiv in defiance of Russia's invasion of the country. As Russian troops breached the capital city, the president encouraged citizens to resist the invasion.
The video showed Zelensky with his top aides, dispelling rumors that he fled Kyiv in the face of approaching Russian forces.
💬Президент України Володимир Зеленський:
"Всі ми тут - захищаємо нашу Незалежність, нашу державу! Так буде й надалі. Слава нашим захисникам і захисницям! Слава Україні!🇺🇦" pic.twitter.com/hojX94ONDI— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 25, 2022
"The president is here. We are all here. Our service members are all here. Citizens are here," Zelensky said. "We all protect our independence and our country, and it will stay like that. Glory to the heroes, glory to Ukraine."
Gunfire and explosions reportedly broke out in parts of Kyiv on Friday, raising the prospect that Russia might capture the city within hours.