Zelensky urges 'meaningful negotiations on peace' with Russia
On Saturday, as Moscow's war on Kiev entered its 24th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for "meaningful peace talks" with Russia. "Meaningful negotiations on peace, on security for us, for Ukraine - are the only chance for Russia to reduce the damage from its own mistakes," the President said in his nightly video address, which was posted early Saturday on Facebook. "It's time to get together. It's time to talk. It is time to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity and justice. Otherwise, Russia's losses will be so severe that it will take several generations to recover." Zelensky's comments come as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, focusing on major cities and infrastructure. According to the BBC, the Mayor of Mariupol, one of the worst-affected cities, confirmed that fighting had reached the city centre, with more than 80% of residential buildings either damaged or destroyed as a result of Russian bombardment. Hundreds of people remained trapped in the basement of a Mariupol theatre bombed by Russia on Thursday. Russian shelling, according to Zelensky, has prevented Mariupol authorities from establishing effective humanitarian corridors to the besieged city.