Zelensky says thousands being evacuated from Kyiv, calls on Russians to go home

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says efforts are underway to evacuate some 18,000 people from the capital Kyiv and embattled towns near it.

He says the efforts are part of broader evacuation attempts by multiple humanitarian corridors within Ukraine, and warns Russian forces against violating ceasefire promises.

He appeals again for foreign air support, saying “send us planes.” Western powers have sent military equipment and beefed up forces on Ukraine’s eastern flank, but have been wary of providing air support and getting drawn into a direct war with Russia.

He also issues an appeal, unusually in Russian, to urge Russian soldiers to leave.

“Our resistance for almost two weeks has shown you that we will not surrender, because this is our home. It is our families and children. We will fight until we can win back our land,” he said. “You can still save yourselves if you just go home.”