Zelensky urges Ukrainians to take up arms as fighting in Kyiv escalates

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday urged citizens to take up arms to fight off Russia as violence between the two nations continues to escalate.

“Our military, our national guard, our national police, our territory defense, special service, nationals of Ukraine, please carry on. We will win. Glory to Ukraine,” Zelensky said in a press briefing, according to The Guardian.

“The occupiers wanted to set up their puppet in our capital. They didn’t succeed. On our streets, there was a proper fight going on,” he reportedly continued. “The enemy was using all its weapons, artillery, paratroops, all its weapons. They are hitting residential areas, they are trying to destroy energy infrastructure, and everyone should help us to stop this occupation.”

Reservists in Ukraine have also been prepared to take on Russia, with officials providing them with arms and Ukrainian television stations broadcasting details on how to make Molotov cocktails, according to CNN.

Due to the increased fighting, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry on Saturday reportedly encouraged civilians to take cover and “hide indoors.”