Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges the Russian army to stop | USA TODAY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that the country's army was successfully fighting back against Russian soldiers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday pressed the world to help his country beat back a Russian invasion, even as those forces attacked Kyiv from various directions in an effort to take the capital.

Zelenskyy tweeted that he had started "a new day on the diplomatic frontline" by talking to French President Emmanuel Macron. In a second tweet, Zelenskyy called the present "a crucial moment to close the long-standing discussion once and for all and decide on Ukraine's membership in the #EU," or European Union.

In the United States, President Joe Biden was slated to meet with his national security team on Saturday morning.

But despite international condemnation of Russia's strike against its smaller neighbor, Russia carried out airstrikes on cities and military bases in the predawn hours. The violence prompted thousands of Ukrainians to flee their homes, looking for safety in nearby countries.

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#Ukraine #Kyiv #Zelenskyy

[MicahRKO]

Imagine the lack of sleep that this man has.

[nicholaswilliams]

Now this is how a President should lead his people. My prayers go out to Ukraine 🙏🏽❤️

[loriosborn]

Although I am not Ukranian, I am proud of these people. You are slowing down or stopping a madman from taking your country by sheer guts. I am an old man but if I were there I would stand with you and fight. You are teaching the world what real patriotism is! God is on your side!

[therogueveteran]

From one Veteran, to another, you've earned the title of hero. You are a Veteran now.
GO UKRAINE!!!!

[fadilp]

what a fearless and reasonable person, wish our country had him as president

[immanuelpeter]

It's better to die fighting for Freedom Instead of being a Prisnor all your life...Our Prayers are with you Ukrain, God will continue to Guide and Protect the people of Ukrain...💔

[Daniel-hvgh]

Putin must be shocked at the level of resistance he’s encountered

[lisafloren]

This is the definition of a leader. I'm praying for the safety and peace for Ukraine

[davidzachmeyer]

When Zelenskyy speaks, he shows far more respect for the Russian people than Putin does.

[SplendidFellow]

Such courage and conviction, it gives me chills. Stand strong, Ukraine!

[jasonrackawack]

The irony is Putin is so obsessed with his public image as a macho tough guy that people will it is Zielinski who the world now respects and treats as a hero because of his good character, morals, and conduct in the terrible situation he was forced to deal with because of Putin.

[janemaas]

Ukraine 🇺🇦 stay strong!!! This invasion by Russia is totally unacceptable. Sending strength and prayers 💙🙏🏼💛

[johnrio]

a comedy actor turns into brave president whom only want is to defend his country and his countrymen, brave enough to make his soldier and elders to fight within.... to ukranian salute!!!

[firstone]

My Heart goes out to Ukraine . God bless the People

[MsSupertina]

This is what the leadership is about. Hero 🇺🇦

[hemmed]

Russians and Ukrainians deserve better.
The whole world stands with Russian and Ukrainian people.
Never too late to make a U turn
Never too early to get right with God.
God have mercy!!!

[christinehenry]

God bless this man and the country and citizens of Ukraine. Many prayers sent your way!

[soopteevlog]

Pray for Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🙏🏻🙏🏻 may lord give strength to all the Ukrainians to fight with bravery for their own land, own people & own territory.... It's the land of Ukraine and the Russian invasion is completely unjustified.... Plz God end the war ASAP🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[mdqzieq]

Please help Zelensky to agree to negotiations! He is refusing to talk! Russia keeps asking him and he keeps asking US for more money and weapons instead!

[computerproducts]

This would all be over if he would just say he is not joining NATO