MOSCOW: As the Russian troops stormed toward Ukraine's capital early Saturday with explosions reverberated through the city, President Zelenskyy was urged to evacuate Kyiv at the behest of the U.S. government but turned down the offer.
The official quoted the president as saying that "the fight is here" and that he needed anti-tank ammunition but "not a ride."
For their part, U.S. defence officials believe the Russian offensive has encountered considerable resistance and is proceeding slower than Moscow had envisioned, though that could change quickly.
The Kremlin accepted Kyiv's offer to hold talks, but it appeared to be an effort to squeeze concessions out of the embattled Zelenskyy instead of a gesture toward a diplomatic solution.
Meanwhile, the president urged the country to "stand firm" against the siege that could determine its future. He refused American help to evacuate, saying: "The fight is here."
Russia pressed its invasion of Ukraine to the outskirts of the capital Friday after unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order.
NATO, meanwhile, decided to send parts of the alliance's response force to help protect its member nations in the east for the first time. NATO did not say how many troops would be deployed but added that it would involve land, sea and air power.
Also Watch: