Ukraine Row: President Zelensky Wants In-Person Talks With Putin

Mr. Zelensky wants Russia to stop the invasion

Kyiv: Ahead Russia-Ukrainian war, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West on Thursday to increase military aid to Ukraine, saying Russia would advance on the rest of Europe otherwise.

While speaking in a press conference, the Ukrainian President said, "If you do not have the power to close the skies, then give me planes!"

"If we are no more then, God forbid, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia will be next," he said, adding: "Believe me."

Addressing the press, Mr. Zelensky told that he called for direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying it was "the only way to stop this war."

"We are not attacking Russia and we do not plan to attack it. What do you want from us? Leave our land," he said, addressing Putin.

While referring to Putin receiving world leaders at a now-famous enormously long table, the Ukrainian president said, "Sit down with me. Just not 30 metres away like with (French President Emmanuel Macron)."

Just weeks ago, Mr. Zelensky calmed Ukrainians over US allegations that Russia was planning to invade his country, taking notes from this, he said: "Nobody thought that in the modern world a man can behave like a beast."

Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine last week. However, Russia says it is not targeting civilian areas despite widespread evidence otherwise.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian administration said Russian planes hit a school, killing nine people, in the northern city of Chernihiv.

Kyiv says more than 350 civilians have been killed since Putin launched the invasion.