Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told EU leaders “this might be the last time you see me alive” during a video conference call, according to reports.
EU sources briefed on the call revealed his words to several news outlets.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, who participated in the video conference call told the TT news agency that when the EU leaders said goodbye to Zelensky they knew they might not see him again.
“You still can stop this aggression. You have to act swiftly,” he said, urging Europe to act more forcefully in imposing sanctions on Moscow.
Shortly before the call, Zelensky gave a televised address saying he was Russia’s “number one” target for capture or assassination, and his family members were the “number two” target.
It came as Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Ukrainian military to perform a coup against Zelensky and then negotiate with Russia.
Putin addressed Ukrainian soldiers directly urging them to “take power into your own hands”.
“I once again appeal to the military personnel of the armed forces of Ukraine: do not allow drug addicts, neo-Nazis and (Ukrainian radical nationalists) to use your children, wives and elders as human shields,” Putin said at a televised meeting with Russia’s security council.
“Take power into your own hands, it will be easier for us to reach agreement.”
On Thursday Zelensky called Russia’s claim that it doesn’t target civilians “a lie”.
He said: “They do not distinguish in which areas to operate. “Russia’s attack continues with the expectation that our forces will be tired. But no one is tired.”
He said he’s remaining in government quarters in Kyiv but noted Russia’s focus on taking him out.
The Russians “want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state,” he added.
