KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Saturday that Russian troops will try to capture the capital Kiev before dawn as Western nations announce personal sanctions against Vladimir Putin.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion on Thursday that killed dozens, forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours and sparked fears of a new Cold War in Europe.
Zelensky warned the nation to remain vigilant shortly after midnight on Friday after Ukrainian troops engaged Russian troops advancing toward the capital.
“This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack,” he said in a video address.
“Special attention on Kyiv — we cannot lose the capital,” he added.
“I am turning to our defenders, male and female, on all fronts: this night the enemy will use all the forces it has to crush our defence in a treacherous, harsh and inhumane way,” he said.
“Tonight they will attempt a storming” of the capital, he added in an apparent reference to Kyiv.
Zelensky, who had earlier called for a stronger response from the West, said he spoke leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden.
“We have agreed on more aid, more support, significant support for our state,” he said.
