Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged to give protections to Russian soldiers who surrender as Russian President Vladimir Putin doubles down on his invasion by calling up 300,000 reservists to replenish lost forces.
Zelensky made the offer to Russians directly during his nightly video address Saturday evening, promising Ukraine could guarantee three terms to soldiers in exchange for deserting their posts. First, Russian soldiers who surrender will be treated in a"civilized manner." Second, the circumstances of their surrender, including if it was voluntary, would be kept private. Third, Ukraine would find a way to prevent them from being returned to Russia to face desertion charges.
Putin ordered a mobilization of a portion of the reserve forces on Wednesday, seven months after launching the brutal military assault on Russia's western neighbor. Russia amassed roughly 160,000-190,000 troops around Ukraine's border ahead of its February invasion. About 70,000-80,000 of those have been killed thus far in the fighting, which has featured a series of humiliating setbacks for Moscow, as well as calls from pro-war nationalists to devote more resources to defeating Ukraine.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia shells Ukrainian cities amid Kremlin-staged votesKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces launched new strikes on Ukrainian cities Saturday as Kremlin-orchestrated votes took place in occupied regions to create a pretext for their annexation by Moscow, while hundreds of people were arrested in Russia for trying to protest a mobilization order that commits more troops to the fight in Ukraine.
Read more »
Russia Shells Ukrainian Cities Amid Kremlin-Staged VotesRussian forces launched new strikes on Ukrainian cities as Kremlin-orchestrated votes took place in occupied regions of Ukraine to create a pretext for their annexation by Moscow. In Russia, hundreds were arrested on Saturday for trying to protest against President Vladimir Putin’s order to mobilize more troops to fight in Ukraine.
Read more »
Russia targets dams as Ukrainian troops push southU.K. defense ministry said Russian forces are attacking dams to try and slow Ukraine's advancement south out of Kharkiv by flooding cross points.
Read more »
Zelensky: Russia annexing Ukrainian territory will end diplomatic talks'This would make it impossible, in any case, to continue any diplomatic negotiations.'
Read more »
Kremlin stages votes in Ukraine, sees protests in RussiaRussian forces launched new strikes on Ukrainian cities as Kremlin-orchestrated votes took place in occupied regions of Ukraine to create a pretext for their annexation by Moscow. In Russia, hundreds were arrested on Saturday while trying to protest President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilize more troops to fight in Ukraine. Kyiv and its Western allies say the votes underway in four regions of Ukraine are a sham with no legal force. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged residents to undermine “this farce.” He also encouraged people called up to fight to desert or sabotage the Russian military. Ukraine’s presidential office said the latest Russian shelling killed at least three people and wounded 19.
Read more »