Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says peace talks with Russia are “just words” as Russian troops are plotting to launch new attacks in the Donbass region.

“Yes, there is a negotiation process that will continue. But so far, it’s just words, nothing concrete,” Mr Zelensky said in a video message published early Thursday.

He noted that Russia was not withdrawing voluntarily from the areas around Kyiv and Chernihiv but was being ousted there by the Ukrainian army.

“Kyiv is noticing a deployment of Russian troops for new attacks in the Donbass region, and we are preparing for that,” added Mr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian leadership does not trust nice words, according to Mr Zelensky, adding that the situation on the battlefield shows how things are.

“And that’s the most important thing at the moment,” stated the Ukrainian president. “We won’t give up anything, and we will fight for every metre of our land, for every one of our people.”

Mr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine was fighting for freedom and to protect democracy, having the right to ask for help from partners for tanks, aircraft and artillery systems.

“This is a fight for the survival of the Ukrainian nation,” said the president, in what he called a “patriotic war against Russia.”

(dpa/NAN)