Zelensky Says Russia Has Left Minsk Agreements, Admitted It Is Party To Donbas Conflict

President Zelensky addresses the nation after the meeting of National Security and Defence Council:

• notes that Russia's decision to recognise separatist Donbas "republics" is tantamount with its withdrawal from the Minsk agreements and means that Moscow has admitted to being party to the conflict in eastern Ukraine;
• stresses that Ukraine reserves the right to self-defence but will continue to seek diplomatic means of defusing the crisis, calls for emergency talks in the UNSC, OSCE and Normandy format;
  • worth noting that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting at 0200GMT
• asks Ukrainians to remain calm and notes that the Ukrainian army is better prepared to defend the borders that in 2014
• says that he expects clear support from the West, adding that "we will see who our true friend is";
• referring to Russian President Putin's combative speech, Zelensky says that Ukraine doesn't need "lectures on history" and "doesnt's owe anything to anyone."
• A measured and cautious speech overall, brief and to the point when compared with Putin's earlier address, with Zelensky seemingly trying to prevent panic and ramp up pressure on the West to provide assistance.