Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukrainians to continue resisting. Zelensky gave an optimistic assessment of the war, addressing the nation in a video message released Thursday morning, saying, "We are a people who have thwarted the enemy's plans within a week. They will not find peace or food here. They will not have a moment of calm here." He did not comment on whether the Russians had taken several cities, including Kherson. He stated, "If they (the Russian troops) go somewhere, it will only be temporary. We will drive them out."
He added that the fighting negatively affects the morale of Russian soldiers, who "break into grocery stores looking for something to eat." He continued, "These are not fighters of a great power. They are children who cannot distinguish and are being exploited." He mentioned that the number of Russian casualties reached about nine thousand. He concluded by saying, "Ukraine does not want its streets to be covered with the bodies of soldiers. Go back home."
