Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that “tens of thousands” of people have died in the ongoing Russian war since it began in late February.
The war in Ukraine has entered its 100th day, as President Zelensky admits that Russia now controls about 20% of the country, according to Sky News report.
Mr Zelensky was speaking to the parliament in Luxembourg when he said that the area controlled by Russia was larger than Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg combined, adding that “tens of thousands” of people have died in the war so far.
ALSO READ: Russia’s Putin warns neighbouring countries fuelling Ukraine crisis
“This is what it means, in fact, to characterise this war as full-scale, and this is why we are calling the world for their support,” he said.
“If we win this war, all Europeans will be able to continue enjoying their freedom.”
“But if this one person who wants to destroy any freedom in Ukraine and Europe prevails, then dark times will come for everyone on the continent,” he added, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Having failed to take the Ukrainian capital Kyiv earlier in the war, Russia has been focusing on the southeastern Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, where it has been backing separatist fighters since 2014.
Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Thursday that three civilians were killed there, and nine people were injured.
Key developments
• UN aid chief Martin Griffiths will meet officials in Moscow to discuss how grain and other food can be exported from Ukraine. Russia has been blocking Ukraine’s ports, worsening a global food crisis
• UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace promised an unspecified number of M270 launchers for Ukraine
• 243 children have been killed in the war, 446 have been wounded and 139 are missing, Mr Zelenskyy said, adding that 200,000 children are among the Ukrainians who have been forcefully taken to Russia
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it’s in the European Union’s strategic interest but also “our moral duty” to help Ukraine join the 30-nation bloc