The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has said that over 137 civilians and military personnel have been killed in the country on the first day of the Russian invasion, with 316 wounded.
Zelensky announced this in a video on Thursday, describing the victims as “heroes.”
The numbers are expected to rise following recent strikes, including reported strikes in the capital, Kiev, on Friday morning.
The Ukrainian President also mentioned that Russia had named him “target number one,” and his family target number two.
He said, “They’re killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It’s foul and will never be forgiven.
“They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state. I will stay in the capital. My family is also in Ukraine.
“We have been left alone to defend our state,” Mr Zelenskiy said. “Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid.”
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi said that over 100,000 Ukrainians have moved out of their homes in search of safety and few thousands have crossed over into Moldova, Romania and other countries.
He said, “We have preparedness plans everywhere, together with respective governments.
“With the death toll rising, we are seeing images of fear, anguish and terror in every corner of Ukraine. The protection of civilians must be priority number one. International humanitarian and human rights law must be upheld,” Antonio Guterres, UN chief, tweeted.
Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said on Friday that Russia lost more than 450 soldiers in its first day of invading Ukraine.
