The President of Ukraine holds a press conference from the subway station

Ukrainian President Zelensky holds a press conference at the metro station in Kiev, April 23 – Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters news agency, Zelensky had an emotional press conference at the metro station in the capital Kiev on April 23.

President Zelensky said that the supply of heavy weapons is very important at this time, so that Ukraine can retake the territory occupied by Russia.

“As soon as we have more weapons, believe me, we will immediately recapture the occupied territory,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader has warned that he will abandon negotiations with Moscow if Russia kills besieged people in the city of Mariupol, or holds referendums to form more breakaway republics on the land. Ukraine.

Zelensky also said he thought Russia could use nuclear weapons, but he didn’t want to believe Russia would.

Zelensky is expected to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 24. This is the first official visit by US government officials since February 24, the day Russia began its military operation in Ukraine.

“We will discuss the exact list of weapons needed and the speed of delivery,” Zelensky said.

According to Reuters, at one point, the 44-year-old leader tried to hold back tears when he talked about the pain of Ukrainians who lost their children in the war with Russia and accused Russia of shelling the city of Odessa on April 23, killing them. 8 people died, including a 3-month-old child.

Evacuees from the city of Mykolayiv are being shelled daily to the city of Odessa on April 20 – Photo: REUTERS

Zelensky said April 23 was one of the most difficult days for Ukrainian forces besieged in Mariupol. Kiev has offered Moscow all possible means of evacuating people sheltering in the Azovstal steel factory complex.

During the press conference, Zelensky again called for a meeting with Russian President Putin to “end the war”.

He also affirmed that he “doesn’t mind meeting” Putin if a peace agreement can be reached between the two countries.

“It’s not that I want to meet him, but I have to meet to resolve the conflict diplomatically,” Zelensky said.