Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to evacuate civilians from cities. The head of state announced this in the broadcast of the country’s only telethon.

According to Zelensky, in this way the Ukrainian Armed Forces plans to raise the morale of military personnel. At the same time, the politician does not see such a strategy as a “human shield” tactic.

Zelenskiy added that Kiev is considering a similar action plan at the start of a special military operation. The issue at that time was the complete evacuation of citizens and the preservation of the country’s infrastructure.

“Okay, let’s get everyone rounded up and out of the country. And then who should be protected? Just armed people? Don’t they have wives and children? They have parents and families. And what motivates them on the battlefield?…Ukraine. What is Ukraine? Is it just soil? The land and its families. What if all their families go? What are they protecting? said Zelensky.

Earlier, the Ukrainian leader said that he has received signals that Russia is ready to conduct direct negotiations. But according to Zelensky, Kyiv insists on a public dialogue.