Russian stance in ceasefire talks ‘more realistic,’ Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia’s demands during negotiations are becoming “more realistic” after nearly three weeks of war. He said more time was needed for the talks, which are being held by video conference.

“Efforts are still needed, patience is needed,” he says in his nighttime video address to the nation. “Any war ends with an agreement.”

Zelensky, who is to address the US Congress on Wednesday, thanks President Joe Biden and “all the friends of Ukraine” for $13.6 billion in new support included in a spending measure that Biden signed.

He appeals for more weapons and more sanctions to punish Russia, and repeats his call for a no-fly zone.

Following the visit of three European prime minister, he quips that others are invited to Kyiv as well, while warning that “it can be dangerous here, because our skies are not yet closed from Russian missiles and planes.”

He says Russian forces on Tuesday were unable to move deeper into Ukrainian territory and continued their heavy shelling of cities.

Over the past day, 28,893 civilians were able to flee the fighting along nine humanitarian corridors, although the Russians refused to allow aid into Mariupol, he says.