'I am Putin's No 1 target' Zelenskyy defiantly refuses to flee as Russia encircles Kiev

 

🇺🇦 Zelenskyy: “I Am Target Number One”—Ukrainian President Refuses to Flee Amid Imminent Threat

As Russian forces close in on Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a somber and defiant late-night address, acknowledging that his life—and the lives of his family—are under direct threat from Vladimir Putin’s regime. Yet, in the face of overwhelming danger, Zelenskyy made it clear: he will not leave.

“The enemy has marked me as target number one,” he said.

“My family is target number two. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state.”

Zelenskyy confirmed that his family has been relocated to an undisclosed location within Ukraine, while he himself remains in Kyiv, stationed in the government quarter alongside other national leaders.

🔥 Kyiv Braces for Bloodshed

As air raid sirens blared and explosions echoed across the capital, Ukrainian officials warned that a full-scale assault on Kyiv could occur within hours. The situation is rapidly escalating, with reports of Russian “sabotage groups” already penetrating the city.

Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister, Hanna Malyar, revealed that Russian forces had commandeered Ukrainian military vehicles, changed into Ukrainian uniforms, and infiltrated central Kyiv—adding a terrifying layer of subversion to the military offensive.

“Friday may become the hardest day of the war,” warned an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister.

🥊 Klitschko Brothers Stand to Defend Kyiv

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko—former heavyweight boxing champion—echoed Zelenskyy’s resolve, declaring he would not abandon the city. Alongside his brother, fellow champion Wladimir Klitschko, he vowed to take up arms and fight in what he described as a “bloody war.”

“I believe in Ukraine. I believe in my people. I believe in my city,” Vitali said.

“We will not surrender.”

The Klitschko brothers, once known for dominating in the ring, are now preparing to defend their home in real combat.

💔 A Heavy Toll on Day One

In his address, President Zelenskyy shared the grim cost of the invasion’s first day:

137 Ukrainian soldiers killed.

Hundreds more wounded.

He also admitted that Western sanctions had failed to deter Moscow from launching the invasion.

“Was Russia convinced by yesterday’s sanctions?” he asked rhetorically.

“We hear in our sky and see on our earth that this was not enough.”

Despite harsh economic penalties and diplomatic pressure from the West, Russia continues its aggressive assault, seemingly undeterred.

🧭 A World Watching—And Worrying

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Washington believes Russia’s goal is regime change in Kyiv.

“To the best of my knowledge, President Zelenskyy remains in Ukraine at his post,” Blinken said.

“Of course, we’re concerned for the safety of all of our friends in Ukraine—government officials and civilians alike.”

The international community watches anxiously as the situation unfolds hour by hour.

🛡️ A Leader Who Stands His Ground

President Zelenskyy’s decision to stay in Kyiv, despite being Russia’s top target, has drawn widespread admiration—and placed him at the heart of one of the gravest geopolitical crises in recent history.

His courage echoes not just in his words, but in his refusal to leave his people behind. As missiles rain down and tanks roll closer to the capital, he remains a powerful symbol of resistance in the face of tyranny.

“I am here,” he told his nation.

“We are defending our independence.”