So western Ukraine loaded up with foreign fighters…
Zelensky says first foreign fighters now in Ukraine
By
Olafimihan OshinMarch 03, 2022 - 11:57 AM EST
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the first round of foreign fighters has arrived in Ukraine to help defend his country against Russia's invasion,
CNN reported.
In a video address posted on Facebook, Zelensky said at least 16,000 foreign troops are headed to the country "to protect freedom and life for us, and for all."
"Ukraine is already greeting foreign volunteers. [The] first 16,000 are already on their way to protect freedom and life for us, and for all," Zelensky said in his address.
Zelensky also praised Western allies for sending weaponry to Ukraine, adding that the country is receiving new "ammunition daily from our partners, from true friends. Every day we have more and more powerful weapons," according to CNN.
Zelensky's remarks come as Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its second week and has led to a series of international sanctions against Moscow. U.S. companies in a variety of sectors have also moved to end business with Russia.
According to a Ukrainian journalist group, more than 2,000 Ukrainian civilians have died during the invasion.
Ukrainian citizens are fleeing the country, and many inside and outside the country are seeking to communicate through services that are intended to ensure their privacy.
The United Nation's refugee agency
shared on Thursday that more than one million Ukrainian citizens have fled the country since the invasion began.
Zelensky also shared plans of rebuilding the country after the invasion, adding that a program has been launched to assist citizens who have lost jobs and promised pensions will be paid out as well, CNN noted.
"Ukrainians in all regions burnt by war are receiving everything necessary. Coordinating headquarters are working in full, real humanitarian cargos are on their way," Zelensky said.