Zelensky says he expects Russian assault to ramp up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he expects Russia to “double up” its onslaught against his country, after it suffered initial losses in its initial sallies into Ukraine.

Zelensky, looking tired, makes the comments to CNN from a darkened government building, with sandbags all around.

He says that while he expects Russian President Vladimir Putin to ratchet up the offensive, he remains confident in his forces, noting that they are fighting for their homeland, and that the Russians “don’t know anything,” about where they are.

But he repeats his pleas for Western aid, saying that Ukraine cannot stand up to the full might of the Russian military alone.

Switching between Ukrainian and broken English, Zelenksy indicates he remains skeptical that talks with Russia will achieve much, saying they could be a “waste of time.”

“We’ll see,” if the Russians are ready for peace, he says.