Russia will not force Ukraine to give up its freedom and independence – Zelensky

"I am in constant contact with the leaders of partner countries and international organizations. Russia has already begun to receive the first sanctions from a large package of sanctions, the most powerful in world’s history. No one will be able to persuade or force Ukrainians to give up the freedom and independence of Ukraine,” he said at a press briefing at the President’s Office, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.  

He added that the Russian leadership was trying to do so "at the expense of destroying their country's potential."

As reported, the head of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, announced the start of a special military operation in Donbas. At about 04:00, on February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine and launched a war.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved a presidential decree on the imposition of martial law throughout Ukraine.

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