Now is the time to press Russia for peace, Zelenskyy tells G20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged world leaders to back a plan to end the war in his country, saying now was the time to push for peace after Russia's defeat in the southern city of Kherson. He spoke by videolink to leaders of the G20 nations who have gathered for a summit on the Indonesian island of Bali that is overshadowed by the war in Ukraine and worries over global inflation, food and energy security. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not allow Russian forces to regroup after their withdrawal from Kherson, adding that there would be more fighting until Ukraine reclaimed control of all of its occupied territory.

"I am convinced now is the time when the Russian destructive war must and can be stopped," he said, according to a copy of his speech reviewed by Reuters. He said Kyiv would not compromise Ukraine's sovereignty, territory or independence, and also called for all Ukrainian prisoners to be released. Ukrainian forces have been making advances in recent weeks against Russian troops in the east and south, last week recapturing the city of Kherson, the only regional capital Russia had captured since the February invasion. On Monday Zelenskyy visited Kherson, which has become the biggest prize his troops have recaptured, vowing to press on until Ukraine reclaims control of all of its occupied territory. ( Source Euronews)