President Zelenskyy Says Russia Wants To Capture More Countries In Impassioned Address

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia plans on capturing other countries.

Vladimir Putin's 'special military operation' has stretched well into its eighth week. While there's been increased military activity in recent days, particularly in the 'battle for Donbas', Russia hasn't made many major gains.

As shelling continues to rock cities across the country, killing thousands of civilians over the course of the war, Zelenskyy has said that Moscow's ambitions beyond the conflict won't be limited to Ukraine.

Alamy

In his latest address, Zelenskyy said: "The 58th day of our defence is coming to an end. It ends on Good Friday, one of the most sorrowful days of the year for Christians.

"The day when death seems to have won. But... we hope for a resurrection. We believe in the victory of life over death. And we pray that death loses."

Zelenskyy went on to praise his 'British friends for the important symbolic decision announced today to return the embassy to Kyiv', marking the UK as the 21st country to 'return a diplomatic mission' to the country's capital.

He said: "And this shows that we are not the only ones who believe in the victory of life over death."

The death toll, including Ukrainian citizens, soldiers and Russian troops, has been hard to calculate since the invasion began. Estimates have always been caveated with the likelihood they could be far, far higher.

In terms of people fleeing the country, more than 5.1 million citizens have left Ukraine for safety elsewhere.

However, according to Zelenskyy, Russia's invasion could be the first step of a larger operation across Europe.

Towns and cities across Ukraine have been ravaged by war (Alamy)

He said: "Today, with reference to the Russian military, the news was spread that their task now is allegedly to establish control over the south of Ukraine and reach the Moldovan border. And allegedly there, in Moldova, the rights of Russian-speakers are violated.

"Although, to be honest, the territory in which Russia should take care of the rights of Russian-speakers is Russia itself.

"Where there is no freedom of speech, no freedom of choice. Where there is simply no right to dissent. Where poverty thrives and where human life is worthless. To the extent that they come to us, go to war to steal at least something that resembles a normal life.

"Well, this only confirms what I have said many times: the Russian invasion of Ukraine was intended only as a beginning, then they want to capture other countries.

"Of course, we will defend ourselves as long as necessary to break this ambition of the Russian Federation. But all nations that, like us, believe in the victory of life over death must fight with us. They have to help us, because we are the first on this path."

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