Zelensky shuts down anchor’s suggestion that Trump would have stopped Russian invasion
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is going to plan, its foreign minister has claimed as the battle for the southeastern city of Sievierodonetsk continues.
Sergei Lavrov said peace talks needed to restart before there was any chance of discussions between Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.
He made the comments while in Turkey for talks on a plan to allow Ukraine to export grain amid an escalating food crisis.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Ukrainian troops holding out in the ruins of Sievierodonetsk came under renewed heavy bombardement.
Forces have been battling it out over the industrial city which Russia views as key to control of the surrounding Luhansk region in the east of Ukraine.
Moscow has claimed its forces hold nearly all of this province as it pushes ahead with its attempt to control the Donbas, which is made up of Luhansk and Donetsk.
“The absolutely heroic defence of Donbas is ongoing,” Mr Zelensky said in a video statement on Tuesday.
