Pledge To Stay In Kyiv And Lead The Ukrainian People Against Russia, President Zelenskiy: I'm On Bankova Street, Don't Hide!

Presiden Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy. (Wikimedia Commons / Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to stay in the capital Kyiv, seeking to galvanize his people directly against the invasion of Russian military forces.

"Now I will say one thing: I live here. I live in Kyiv. On Bankova Street. I am not hiding. And I am not afraid of anyone. As much as it takes to win this Patriotic War of ours", Zelensky said in a speech from his office, quoted from The Hill on March 8.

President Zelenskiy added that although every day was a struggle with the war heading into its 12th day, victory against the Russian troops was "certainly achieved".

"You know, we used to say: Monday is a difficult day. There is war in this country. So every day is Monday. And now we are used to the fact that every day and every night is like that", President Zelensky said.

On the occasion, President Zelenskiy praised Ukraine for defending itself so far, noting that many cities currently lack weapons to protect themselves.

In particular, he pointed to the 'strong manifestations of Ukraine' that have grown in the south of the country, which Zelenskiy said was a 'nightmare' for Russia.

He also recalled when he was elected in 2019. The comedian-turned-politician recalled how he dreamed of moving the government into a modern and transparent office, creating a progressive democratic European state.

President Zelenskiy also alluded to the recent round of negotiations with Russia that took place in Belarus on Monday. Earlier in the day, it was reported that progress had been made in negotiating humanitarian corridor arrangements, for civilians seeking to flee the conflict.

"So we will talk. We will insist on negotiations until we find a way to tell our people. This is how we will achieve peace. Precisely for peace", he concluded.