“At the same time, we always strive for a dialogue.” Speaking at a press conference in Kiev, Ukraine, with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Saturday, April 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kiev “always ready” to negotiate with Moscow. “Ukraine has always said that it is ready for negotiations and will seek every opportunity to stop the war. At the same time, unfortunately, we are seeing preparations for important, some say decisive, battles in the east”he declared. “We are ready to fight and at the same time seek diplomatic ways to end this war”the leader insisted. This is what you need to remember from the day.
Kiev Demands “Strong Global Response” After Kramatorsk
The bombing of the Kramatorsk . train station continued to respond on Saturday. Volodymyr Zelensky asked: “a strong global response” after this strike At least 52 people, including five children, were killed in this city in eastern Ukraine (still under Ukrainian control) on Friday, according to a latest report from local authorities. “This is another Russian war crime for which everyone involved will be held accountable.”, the Ukrainian head of state said in a video message. Moscow, for its part, has denied any responsibility and condemns a “provocation” Ukrainian.
“The Enemy Keeps Knocking”
“The Russian enemy continues to prepare to intensify its offensive operations in eastern Ukraine and take full control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions”in the Donbass, the general staff of the Ukrainian army said on Facebook on Saturday.
In addition to continuing to fight for control of the main cities of Mariupol to the south and Izium further north, “the enemy continues to attack civilian targets throughout Ukraine with missiles”said the staff.
Boris Johnson visits Kiev
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who visited Kiev on Saturday, promised to provide Ukraine with armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles as a tribute to the Ukrainian military for “the greatest achievement of the 21st century”† “It is thanks to the unwavering leadership of President Zelensky and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that the monstrous designs of (Vladimir) Putin is foiled”Boris Johnson said after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a statement from his services. “Other countries should follow suit” of the United Kingdom, in turn proclaimed President of Ukraine.
More than 10 billion euros in aid to Ukraine
An international fundraising campaign has raised EUR 10.1 billion to support Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Saturday in Warsaw, Poland. “The world has finally pledged €9.1 billion as part of the campaign (Stand up for Ukraine) (…) In addition, the Commission, together with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), adds another billion for displaced persons in Ukraine. It’s fantastic. So 10.1 billion euros”said the European leader.
Curfew in Odessa
Odessa, Ukraine’s main Black Sea port, is subject to a curfew from Saturday evening to Monday morning due to the “threat” of rocket attacks, local authorities said. After the bombing of Kramatorsk station, “A threat of missile attack looms over Odessa April 10, 2022. Therefore, a curfew will be imposed in Odessa and its region from 9:00 PM on April 9 to 6:00 AM on April 11, 2022”the regional military administration announced on Friday.
More than 4.4 million refugees
More than 4.4 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion of the country, according to figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Europe had not seen such a flood of refugees since World War II. The UN also estimates the number of internally displaced persons in Ukraine at 7.1 million, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
