Kyiv, Feb 23 (Agency) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday called up the country’s reservists after Russia began moving troops into the country’s east. The Guardian quoted the President as saying that Ukraine is a peaceful country, but its people would not stay quiet in the face of aggression. “If we remain silent today, we will disappear tomorrow. We have hard work ahead, every day, but we are read for it, with confidence in ourselves, our country and victory,” he said.
Zelenskiy’s remarks came after the US said that the invasion it had forecast for weeks had finally begun. He said a cross party meeting was held to propose a defence coalition government and announced the launch of an “economic patriotism” programme of tax breaks and other incentives to bolster a country battered by the threat of war, The Guardian reported. Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said President Vladimir Putin can be stopped if Kiev and its allies “act in a very reserved way and keep mounting pressure on” the Russian leader. He was speaking alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington. He said, “What stops him is only our unity and resolve. And we can stop him. “We have two plans. Plan A is to utilize every tool of diplomacy to deter Russia and prevent further escalation. And if that fails, Plan B is to fight for every inch of our land, and every city and every village. Then, to fight until we win, of course.” Meanwhile, several countries including , UK and Japan have imposed sanctions on Russia and Russian individuals.