Ukrainian President: "Bombing Must Stop for Negotiations"... At Least 23 Dead Today

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on the 1st (local time) that Russia must first stop bombing in order to hold further talks with Russia.

President Zelensky said this in an interview with major foreign media such as CNN on the same day. He urged, "(Russia) must stop bombing Ukrainian cities before meaningful talks for a ceasefire begin," adding, "At the very least, they must stop bombing civilians. Then we will sit at the negotiating table."

Both sides have agreed to hold a second round of talks soon, but Russia continued indiscriminate bombing on the same day, attempting siege attacks on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and Kharkiv, the second largest city. He also evaluated the first negotiations held the day before, saying, "There was hardly any progress."

President Zelensky also emphasized the need for another security mechanism if Ukraine's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is rejected. He said, "If NATO does not accept Ukraine as a member due to Russia's opposition, NATO must devise another mechanism," adding, "This is to legally guarantee that we preserve our territory, protect our borders, and are safe."

He also urged U.S. President Joe Biden, who is delivering his first State of the Union address since taking office, to convey a "useful" message regarding the current Ukraine situation. In addition, he requested NATO member countries to establish a no-fly zone over Ukrainian airspace to block the Russian Air Force. However, it was reported that the U.S. showed a skeptical response regarding this.

In a speech at the European Parliament on the same day, President Zelensky said, "We are fighting for survival," receiving a standing ovation from the attendees. He repeatedly emphasized, "We are fighting for our land and freedom. I want to see our children alive." He also requested the rapid accession of Ukraine to the EU member states through an expedited procedure.

According to the Ukrainian government, Russian forces attacked broadcasting facilities in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and residential areas in Kharkiv, the second largest city, resulting in at least 23 deaths. Five Ukrainians died in the attack on the Kyiv TV tower, and eight and ten people lost their lives respectively due to shelling of residential areas and government buildings in Kharkiv.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.