Zelensky calls for stronger sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today called on the West to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.

His call comes as Russian forces continue to bomb Ukrainian cities, which the United Nations says have killed hundreds of civilians and forced more than 1.7 million Ukrainians to flee their homes.

The Ukrainian army is helping civilians flee the city of Irpin, the only escape route from the intensified Russian bombardment of the city, located 24 kilometers from Kiev.

Amid the blasts and the fire that was burning their homes, residents rush to find ways to escape to Poland, or other safe places.

Ukrainian police announced that about 2 thousand civilians were evacuated from Irpin alone, but without giving details about the period in question.

There were constant explosions, some were powerful and very close to us. They hit the neighbors’s houses. Near our house we saw dead people in their cars… it was scary”,  says Inna Scherbanyova, resident of Irpin.

“They shot at houses and people. A woman and her 13-year-old child were killed. All the houses have been destroyed. Very few people have remained there. It’s heavy and scary. This war is genocide against Ukraine”, says Galya Fedorchuk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West to tighten sanctions against Russia.

“If the attack continues and Russia does not stop its plans against Ukraine, a new package of sanctions is needed, against war and in the service of peace. Russian products, in particular oil and petroleum products from Russia, should be boycotted. It could be called an embargo or a moral issue. “where you refuse to finance terrorists”, said Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president reiterated his demand for the declaration of no-fly zones, assistance with fighter jets, or air defense systems, so that Ukraine could be protected from Russian attacks.

“The international community must act more decisively. When someone loses their mind, we must forget the fear and the trade. We must protect ourselves”, said Zenelsky.

Ukraine, Russia make small progress as third round of talks ends

Russia and Ukraine made some progress on opening up humanitarian corridors as they ended their third round of talks on Monday, after previous rounds brought no respite in the conflict.

The latest round of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv were held in the Belarusian city of Brest.

A Ukrainian negotiator, Mykhailo Podolyak, said some small progress had been made on agreeing on logistics for the evacuation of civilians, but no agreement was reached that significantly improves the broader situation.

The two sides will continue talks on a ceasefire, said negotiator Podolyak.