President Zelensky Says Russia Deploys Additional Troops To The Frontline

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday Russia was adding new troops in several frontline sectors and was still launching attacks on Ukraine's targets.

"Now we are seeing the addition of other Russian troops in several frontline sectors. He refuses to be forced to make peace," President Zelensky said in his evening video address, referring to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

President Zelensky did not provide further details, but said "Russia continues to launch attacks. Of course, we will respond to this."

He further said Russian troops had targeted Ukraine with 150 drones overnight, more than 50 drones in the morning, and "tens" more drones at night.

The new drone strike, he said, was an "additional Russian statement from China," referring to Putin's visit to Beijing, where President Xi Jinping held a military parade to commemorate the "Day of Victory" attended by several heads of state and heads of government, including President Putin.

"Yesterday, Russia literally denied what (US President Donald) Trump said about the meetings of the leaders needed to end the war. In China, Putin continues to make up stories as if he was innocent of the war," President Zelensky said.

President Zelensky has long supported President Trump's call on a meeting between Ukrainian Leaders and Russia as a move to end the war, sparked by Russia's invasion of neighboring countries in February 2022.