Nearly 200,000 Russian troops are deployed on Ukraine's border

Ukrainian President has called for peace, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to accept his proposal. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an emotional address to the nation today, dismissed Moscow’s allegations that his country is a threat to Russia, regretting that a Russian invasion would cost tens of thousands of deaths.

“Nearly 200,000 soldiers are stationed, (as are) thousands of combat vehicles. The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace, but if the nation comes under an attack, we will fight back,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy claimed he attempted to contact Putin but received no response. “Today I initiated a telephone conversation with the President of the Russian Federation. Silence. Although there should be silence in the Donbas,” Mr. Zelensky added.

Satellite images reportedly revealed a number of fresh Russian military deployments, particularly in and around the Belgorod region, which is close to the Ukrainian border.

The Ukrainian parliament had earlier accepted Mr Zelensky’s order imposing a nationwide state of emergency, as pro-Russian separatists in the country’s east had formally requested military assistance from Moscow.

In the “interests of national security and public order,” the directive authorises Ukrainian authorities to limit movement, stop protests, and outlaw political parties and organizations.

As the fear of a Russian invasion intensified, Mr. Zelensky called up some military reservists. He recognized that his country faces significant challenges in the absence of membership in a powerful security alliance such as NATO.

“With the help of our allies, we are protecting ourselves. Ukrainians, on the other hand, are dying “he stated

The frontline in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed insurgents have controlled territory since 2014, has been shelled, according to Kyiv. One Ukrainian soldier was killed, while six others were injured, according to the Ukrainian military. Separatist officials reported three civilian deaths and multiple blasts on their area overnight.

Ukraine’s forces are no match for Moscow’s military might, therefore Kyiv is banking on other countries to slap sanctions on Russia.

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, urged on Twitter that the West should hit Russian President Vladimir Putin where it hurts as soon as possible.

“Hit his economy and cronies. Hit more. Hit hard. Hit now,” Mr. Kuleba wrote.

Also Read: Ukraine imposes a state of emergency for 30 days