Ukraine War: Zelenskyy calls for no-fly zone, more US military support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed the US Congress via video link. He called for support in the fight against the Russian invasion. Attacks on his country have left hundreds dead and prompted 3 million people to flee.

Zelenskyy said, “Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities. It went on a brutal offensive against our values, basic human values. It threw tanks and planes against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future.”

Zelenskyy appealed for the creation of a no-fly zone over Ukraine to protect its citizens from airstrikes. He said if that step is not possible, he wants the US to provide aircraft and air-defense systems.

Zelenskyy said Russia has fired nearly 1,000 missiles and countless shells. He called on the US as the leader of the free world to help his country.

“Today, the Ukrainian people are defending not only Ukraine. We are fighting for the values of Europe and the world, sacrificing our lives in the name of the future. That’s why today, the American people are helping not just Ukraine but for Europe and the world to keep the planet alive, to keep justice in history.”

NATO leaders have been cautious about creating a no-fly zone, saying that step could draw the alliance into a war with Russia.

The speech comes as Ukraine’s capital Kyiv has been under a 35-hour curfew since Tuesday evening.

Ukrainian authorities say a residential area came under attack during the curfew. A high-rise residential building near the city center was badly damaged. At least two people were reported injured.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, “We see the result of bombing civilians. People died. It’s an international criminal case.”

The intense bombardment has devastated the southeastern city of Mariupol. An elementary school was destroyed.

A citizen said, “Only students were studying here. There was no military. I don’t know why this place was hit.”

The city’s police chief told NHK that hospitals have too many patients and not enough medicine. He said, “People are digging mass graves in parks and near hospitals. The situation here might be worse than the Syrian city of Aleppo.”

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators continue their talks. The Ukrainian side is demanding an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces.

Moscow’s chief delegate has suggested the officials are discussing a framework to ensure Ukraine’s security without the country entering NATO.

NATO defense ministers have gathered in Brussels to discuss ways to strengthen their deterrence against Russia.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, “This is devastating for Ukrainian people. And it will also change our security environment. It will have long lasting consequences for our security for all NATO allies.”

NATO plans to convene an emergency summit on March 24th. US President Joe Biden is scheduled to take part in the talks.