Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of committing genocide in Ukraine amid reviews that Russian forces had been leaving brutalized our bodies and widespread destruction of their wake as they withdrew from the Kyiv area.
"Certainly, that is genocide — the elimination of the entire nation and the individuals," Zelenskyy informed "Face the Nation" on Sunday in an unique interview.
The Ukrainian chief mentioned Russia's invasion, now in its sixth week, is about "the destruction and extermination" of the greater than 100 nationalities in his nation.
"We're the residents of Ukraine and we do not wish to be subdued to the coverage of the the Russian federation, and that is the explanation we're being destroyed and exterminated," Zelenskyy mentioned by way of a translator, stating that the alleged atrocities are taking place in "the Europe of the twenty first century."
Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Zelenskyy, mentioned the streets of Bucha and the Kyiv suburbs of Irpin and Hostomel regarded like a "scene from a horror film" because the streets had been lined with scores of killed civilians. Zelenskyy's workplace shared pictures with "Face the Nation" exhibiting a minimum of one mass grave and what seemed to be our bodies of civilians lining the streets.
Russian troops seemed to be regrouping and shifting focus to the jap and southern areas of Ukraine this weekend as Ukrainian forces retook territory north of Kyiv, the nation's capital and largest metropolis. The shift comes amid a rising humanitarian disaster within the hard-hit port metropolis of Mariupol, the place Russian forces have blocked evacuation operations regardless of agreeing days in the past to permit secure passage from the town.
Zelenskyy referred to as the state of affairs in Mariupol and different Russian-controlled cities a "humanitarian catastrophe," saying they've "plenty of our bodies" within the streets and no hall for meals, water and provides. About 100,000 civilians are nonetheless believed to be in Mariupol.
Requested if he would settle for something lower than a full withdrawal of Russian troops, Zelenskyy mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin ought to withdraw all troops to the borders that existed earlier than the invasion on February 24. He mentioned a cease-fire must be the place to begin for any discussions a couple of decision to the warfare.
"First the cease-fire, then we are able to have a gathering with the Russian president," Zelenskyy mentioned.
"Let's merely sit down collectively — the 2 of us — and we'll talk about a cut-off date when the tip of the warfare will come," he mentioned whereas insisting that Ukraine desires to protect its sovereignty and "our sturdy military."
Final week, the Kremlin accused Ukrainians of launching a helicopter assault on a gasoline depot in Russia. Ukraine denied duty for the assault, and Zelenskyy informed "Face the Nation" he is "not even taking note of this type of insinuation" by Russia.
The Ukrainian chief continued to induce the West to offer his nation with heavier and quicker gear, similar to warplanes and extra anti-missile methods. He thanked the U.S. and the Biden administration for his or her help to date, however he mentioned Ukraine wants safety ensures on paper.
"As a president, I am not glad with simply assurances," Zelenskyy mentioned.
He additionally urged Individuals to proceed serving to his war-torn nation.
"Do not forget about Ukraine," he mentioned. "We now have the identical values … and we're preventing for freedom and we'll win."