Zelensky urges more leaders to visit Kyiv after visit of 3 NATO leaders

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the leaders of three NATO-member countries who traveled to Ukraine’s war-torn capital for an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday and urged others to do the same.

The leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia traveled to Kyiv, “fear nothing,” Mr. Zelensky said after the meeting, “I am sure that with such friends, with such countries, with such neighbors and partners , we will really be able to win.”

The leaders discussed not only mounting sanctions against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, but also “plans to rebuild our country after the end of hostilities”, Mr. Zelensky’s office said. Presenting an air of confidence, despite a brutal campaign that has already inspired more than two million Ukrainians to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

Mr Zelensky has sought to rally international support through videos of the night that he posts on social media, as well as virtual meetings with world leaders – including a speech to US lawmakers on Wednesday.

But Tuesday’s meeting in Kyiv, which the Russian military has targeted but has so far failed to win, was a rare, personal gathering for Mr. Zelensky and outside leaders. At least one attendee wore a green protective vest while sitting at the table with Mr. Zelensky, according to a photo posted on the president’s official website.

Mr. Zelensky also invited other world leaders to join Kyiv, and once again pressured Western leaders to impose a no-fly zone on the country, which he called out of concerns of Russia engaging in direct conflict. has opposed.

“I invite all friends from Ukraine to come to Kyiv,” Mr Zelensky said in a statement posted on his official Telegram channel. “It can be dangerous here. Because our skies are not yet closed to Russian missiles and planes.”

He continued: “You know for sure that all eyes of the world are now focused on our capital, the Ukrainians.”