Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zalenskyy declared martial law Thursday and severed all diplomatic ties with Russia amid an ongoing invasion.
“Dear Ukrainians, this morning, President Putin announced a special military operation in the Donbas,” Zalenskyy said, per Fox News.
“Russia has attacked our military infrastructure and our border guards. Explosions were heard in many cities of Ukraine,” he continued. “We introduce martial law throughout the state.”
In an earlier video, Zalenskyy said he does not want war, but Ukraine will defend itself against hostile actors.
"They say that Ukraine may pose a threat to Russia. This wasn’t a case in the past, nor is it now, and won’t be in the future. Our main goal is to maintain peace in Ukraine and keep Ukrainian citizens safe," Zelenskyy said.
He continued: "For this we are prepared to hold discussions with everyone, including you [Russia], in whatever format you like at whatever venue."
"If the leadership of Russia does not want to sit at the table with us to make peace, perhaps it will sit at the table with you. Does Russia want a war? I would very much like an answer to this question. But that answer depends only on you, citizens of the Russian Federation," he said.
"Stay calm, stay at home, the army is doing its work," he added. "Don't panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will defeat everyone. Because we are Ukraine."
