Ukraine-Russian crisis: Street fighting in Kyiv as Russia storms towards city and Zelensky refuses to leave

By Alison Campsie
Published 26th Feb 2022, 08:30 BST
Kyiv officials have reported street fighting against Russian forces is now underway as Ukraine's president refuses to leave the city.

This morning, residents have been warned remain in shelters, to avoid going near windows or on balconies and to take precautions against being hit by debris or bullets.

Russian troops continued to storm toward Ukraine's capital early on Saturday as explosions reverberated through the city and the president urged the country to "stand firm" against the siege that could determine its future. He refused American help to evacuate, saying: "The fight is here."

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Hundreds of casualties were reported in the fighting, which included shelling that sliced through a Kyiv apartment building and pummelled bridges and schools. There also were growing signs that Russia may be seeking to overthrow Ukraine's government, which US officials have described as Russian President Vladimir Putin's ultimate objective.

An apartment building damaged following a rocket attack on the city of Kyiv, Ukraine. Russian troops stormed toward Ukraine's capital on Saturday, and street fighting broke out as city officials urged residents to take shelter. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)An apartment building damaged following a rocket attack on the city of Kyiv, Ukraine. Russian troops stormed toward Ukraine's capital on Saturday, and street fighting broke out as city officials urged residents to take shelter. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
An apartment building damaged following a rocket attack on the city of Kyiv, Ukraine. Russian troops stormed toward Ukraine's capital on Saturday, and street fighting broke out as city officials urged residents to take shelter. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

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In a chilling statement issued several hours earlier, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said of Russia: "This is the night they will storm".

As his country confronted explosions and gunfire, and as the fate of Kyiv hung in the balance, Mr Zelensky appealed for a cease-fire and warned in a bleak statement that multiple cities were under attack.

"This night we have to stand firm. The fate of Ukraine is being decided right now," he said last night.

Meanwhile, Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution telling Moscow to stop attacking Ukraine and withdraw all troops immediately.

The veto was expected, but the United States and its supporters have argued it highlights Moscow's international isolation.

The 11-1 vote - with China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining - showed significant but not total opposition to Russia's invasion of its smaller, militarily weaker neighbour.