Zelensky Stays Optimistic on Peace Talks As Russian Forces Try To Destroy Ukraine Defenses

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about the ongoing peace talks with Russia, despite the invaders' continued bombardment of Ukraine's major cities.

Zelensky said on Wednesday that the diplomatic talks were becoming 'more realistic' though it needs more time to further pursue the interests of Ukraine."

The Ukrainian leader's statement came after his team noted that a peace deal that will end Russia's attacks on Ukraine would be approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin within a week or two, considering that the Russian military is running out of supplies and new soldiers, as per Daily Mail.

Zelensky said in a video address that the "meetings continue" and the stances during the diplomatic talks "already sound more realistic," but the talks will be extended to make sure that Ukraine's interests will be protected and pursued.

However, Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Oleksiy Arestovich warned that there is a possibility that Russia would send reinforcements to increase their attack that could lengthen the war.

Arestovich believes that a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia will be attained by "no later than May" or perhaps in a "much earlier " date.

Ukraine No Longer Joining NATO

Ukraine No Longer Wants To Become a NATO Member

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that Zelenskyy has announced on Wednesday that Ukraine will not join NATO as Russian forces attacked the country's capital Kyiv that killed no less than five people.

While speaking to officials of the new Joint Expeditionary Force, a UK-led project gathering all ten north Atlantic countries to establish a force for responding quickly to emergencies, Zelenskiy mentioned "it is clear," and he understands that his country is not a NATO member.

The Ukrainian President added that for years there has been an "open door" for Ukraine, but they have already "heard" that the Eastern European country "will not enter there, and these are truths and must be acknowledged."

After Zelensky's announcements, aspirations for a diplomatic breakthrough, Ukraine's desire to join NATO have long been seen by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a danger to Russia, which the alliance rejects.

Russian Military Continue Heavy Shelling in Ukrainian Cities

Russian troops bombarded Ukraine's major cities as they attempted to destroy a defense that halted the progress of their invasion that was going on for almost three weeks, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Despite the continued attacks, Russian ground troops failed to advance further towards Kyiv because of the Ukrainian defense, which frustrated the invaders.

Zelensky said that the Russian military could not move forward into the Ukrainian zone but sustained their heavy bombardment of cities, which drove civilians to hide in shelters and their homes. Media outlets reported that a 12-story apartment building in Kyiv caught fire when shrapnel hit the structure.

In a video message to the nation, Zelensky noted that "Efforts are still needed" in the peace talks with Russia. "Any war ends with an agreement," the Ukrainian leader said.

British and U.S. intelligence assessments supported the Ukrainian leader's view of the current war, saying Russian ground forces were still about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the center of Kyiv.