Zelensky says that he does not want Ukraine's history to be confined to a tale about 300 Spartans and asks for peace

During a press conference in Kyiv on March 3, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures while speaking. Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images.

Zelensky says that he does not want Ukraine's history to be confined to "a tale about 300 Spartans" and asks for peace.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated on Thursday that he does not want Ukraine's history to be "a legend about 300 Spartans," and he called for an end to Russia's ongoing conflict.

"I don't want 300 Spartans to be a legend in Ukraine's history," Zelensky stated during a press conference that was translated for broadcast.

Zelensky appears to be referring to the Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in Ancient Greece and saw a tiny force of Greek soldiers overpowered by their Persian adversary.

"I am really confident in our military and our people defending our state," Zelensky said. "Our state is so unique, and our people are quite unique." "I don't want them to be destroyed; I want them to be preserved in their entirety."

Making Molotov cocktails, obstructing tank advances, and organizing street marches to shut off access to vital places have all been used by Ukrainian civilians to assist their troops in fighting Russian forces.

Civilians have also taken up guns after Zelensky stated that everyone who wants to defend the country against Russia will be given weapons.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia held the second round of talks on Thursday to discuss a possible truce and the creation of humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians.

However, the chances for the discussions come amid a dire warning from Paris. According to a top French official, after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron walked away fearful that "the worst is yet to come" in Ukraine.

During the press conference, Zelensky stated, "I want peace, and I want peace in my country." "We're on our home, and we're prepared for anything."

The discussions take place on Thursday after Russian soldiers took control of their first major city during a week-long military campaign marked by Russia's failure to crush Ukrainian resistance.

Russian forces have boosted their attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, and Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, in recent days, with troops apparently firing missiles towards civilian areas.

This story is still developing. Please return to this page for updates.

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