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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russia’s Vladimir Putin to get out of his “bubble” and “start the dialogue” about ending the invasion that entered its thirteenth day Tuesday local time.

Zelensky made the plea in a one-on-one interview with “ABC World News Tonight” anchor David Muir that aired Monday night.

Putin needs to “start the dialogue, instead of living in [an] informational bubble without oxygen…He is in this bubble,” Zelensky said.

“I think he’s capable of stopping the war that he started…,” Zelensky continued, “he should know one important thing that he cannot deny, that stopping the war is what he’s capable of.”

Earlier Monday, Russia continued to bomb Ukrainian cities and civilians – despite the Kremlin’s claim that it would begin several cease-fires to allow refugees to flee along a “human corridor.”

Russian troops made advances in southern Ukraine, but have been met with resistance in other parts of the country.


  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “start the dialogue” to end the invasion of Ukraine. ABC News Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “start the dialogue” to end the invasion of Ukraine. ABC News

Fierce battles continued in the Kyiv region, notably around Bucha, Hostomel, Vorzel and Irpin, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko had said Monday.

Zelensky, in his interview with Muir, praised the Ukrainian soldiers and the “ordinary people” who stayed behind to fight the Russian invaders, despite being heavily outnumbered.

“I’m sure the Ukrainians are prepared to stand against Russia for their entire lives,” Zelensky said.

“This courage is something that is unprecedented and Russian soldiers don’t even have that courage,” the president added.

NATO allies have reportedly supplied Ukraine with thousands of anti-tank weapons to help with the conflict.

But Zelensky’s main request –  a call on US and NATO to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine – has gone unanswered as the Western allies fear doing so would escalate the conflict.

Zelensky reiterated that appeal in his Muir interview and said he spoke to President Biden about it.


  Zelensky said Putin is living inside a “informational bubble.” Photo by ALEXEY NIKOLSKY/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images Zelensky said Putin is living inside a “informational bubble.” Photo by ALEXEY NIKOLSKY/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

“I told him that for us the most important thing is the security in the sky.”

“We cannot allow Russia to be out there because they are they bombing us, they are shelling us. They are sending missiles, helicopters, jet fighters,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky said in recent days he felt the US has been “closer” to his country, but said he believes Biden can do more to help.

“I’m sure that President [Biden] can do more, I’m sure he can and I would like to believe that he’s capable of doing that,” Zelensky told Muir.


  Zelensky told ABC News’ David Muir that Putin is “capable of stopping the war that he started.” ABC News Zelensky told ABC News’ David Muir that Putin is “capable of stopping the war that he started.” ABC News

Zelensky warned that Russia’s invasion will have dire consequences for the rest of the world — and called on Americans to support Ukraine’s “fight for freedom.”

“Everyone thinks that we are far away from America or Canada. No, we are in this zone of freedom. And when the limits of rights and freedoms are being violated and stepped on, then you have to protect us,” Zelensky said.

“Because we will come first. You will come second,” he continued. “Because the more this beast will eat, he wants more, more, and more.”

The president also confirmed that the US and the West had offered to rescue him from his country amid threats to him and his family. But he declined.

“I said no, because how can I do this? I’m a citizen of my country and I’m the elected president of these people.”

Zelensky, who has vowed to remain in the capital Kyiv even as Russian forces draw closer, told Muir that he is hoping for a happy ending to the conflict.

“I would like the end to be like in the Hollywood movies. The happy end for our country.”

With Post wires

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