Zelensky described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as involving “the torture of the whole nation,” adding that they wanted to destroy all Ukrainians.

Speaking to CBS News through a translator, Zelensky said Ukrainians did not want to be subdued by Russia and were being exterminated as a result.

Asked whether Russia’s actions constitute genocide, Zelensky said: “Indeed, this is genocide. The elimination of the whole nation and the people. We are the citizens of Ukraine. We have more than 100 nationalities.

“This is about the destruction and extermination of all these nationalities.”

This comes after images had earlier emerged of Ukrainian civilians lying dead on the streets of Bucha, with residents saying the victims were killed by Russian soldiers without any apparent provocation.

Bucha’s mayor, Anatoliy Fedoruk, had said that more than 300 residents had been killed.

France President, Emmanuel Macron had sympathized with Ukrainians, describing the images from Bucha as “unbearable,” adding that Russian authorities would have to answer for war crimes.

The war between Russia and Ukraine started in February this year.

“But 117 will not be the final number,” he warned in a video link to both chambers of parliament in Rome.

“They keep killing,” he said according to the Italian translation.

Zelensky called on Italy to freeze Russian assets and confiscate luxury goods such as yachts, arguing that this was necessary to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“You only need to stop one person so that millions can survive.”

Zelensky said he had spoken by phone with Pope Francis earlier, who had encouraged him in the army’s fight for Ukraine’s freedom.

“I answered him: our people became an army when they saw how much suffering the enemy brings, how much destruction it leaves behind, how much bloodshed it demands.”

Zelensky wrote on Twitter that a mediating role by the Vatican “would be appreciated.”

The Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See renewed an invitation to Francis to visit the war zone.

The press service of Ukraine’s parliament disclosed this on Sunday.

The legislation extended the current martial law for 30 days starting March 26.

Kiev imposed martial law after Russia launched a special military operation against Ukraine on February 24.

People line up to get plastic covers to mend broken windows on March 17, 2022, in Kiev, Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill extending martial law in Ukraine, the press service of Ukraine’s parliament said Sunday.

The legislation extended the current martial law for 30 days starting March 26.

Zelensky stated that it’s time for Ukraine to accept it wouldn’t join NATO.

The Ukrainian President said this during a call with the country’s military leaders on Tuesday.

“Ukraine is not a member of NATO. We understand that.

“We have heard for years that the doors were open, but we also heard that we could not join. It’s a truth and it must be recognized,” Zelensky said.

The possibility of joining NATO, a US-led military alliance, was one of the reasons Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in February.

The First Lady also disclosed that her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky and their two children tested negative for the virus. Olena added that she is receiving outpatient treatment and is isolated from her family “in order not to put them in danger.”

Ukraine has so far reported over 29,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 870 deaths. The government started gradually easing lockdown restrictions in late May with the
resumption of public transportation and the reopening of malls and gyms.