Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska has issued an impassioned statement on the Russian invasion, condemning the “mass murder” of the country’s civilians.
She focused on child casualties, mentioning the names of three children who had died in the bombardments.
She said Ukraine wanted peace but would defend its borders and its identity.
The whereabouts of Mrs Zelenska, 44, are unknown, and her husband President Volodymyr Zelensky says his family is a target for Russian forces.
In an open letter published on the Ukrainian president’s website late on Tuesday in English, International Women’s Day, Mrs Zelenska said she had received numerous requests for interviews and that her letter served as an answer.
She said the invasion was “impossible to believe. Our country was peaceful; our cities, towns and villages were full of life”.
