Ukraine’s president is rejecting Moscow’s claim that his country poses a threat to Russia and warns that a looming Russian invasion could cause tens of thousands of deaths.
President Volodymyr Zelensky made the comments in a video address early on Thursday.
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Speaking emotionally in Russian, he said: “The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace.
“But if we come under attack that threaten our freedom and lives of our people we will fight back.”
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Mr Zelensky said he tried to call Russian President Vladimir Putin late on Wednesday but the Kremlin remained silent.