Guwahati: Ukraine President Volodymir Zelenskyy has called civilians to take up guns to defend the country as Russian aeroplanes and artillery assault Ukrainian military positions.
In a tweet, Zelenskyy warned that everyone who wants to fight will be given weapons, and that people should be prepared to support Ukraine in city squares.
We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022
In another tweet, Zelenskyy declared that his administration will abolish restrictions against citizens who take up guns in defence of their country as part of territorial defence.
We will lift sanctions on all citizens of Ukraine who are ready to defend our country as part of territorial defense with weapons in hands.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022
Ukraine had previously proclaimed the termination of all ties with Russia. Almost all of Ukraine’s major cities are now under Russian attack. Russia, on the other hand, has said that precise weapons are solely used to target military installations and that they will not kill civilians.
President Putin had requested Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms and return home to their families before Russia entered.