Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned European leaders “this might be the last time you see me alive” during a video conference Thursday.
Axios reported that the “video call took place before the leaders of EU countries decided on a new series of sanctions against Russia”.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, who was a member of the call, reportedly told the TT News Agency that EU leaders knew they might not see Zelensky again.
Zelensky, who appeared to be in a bunker, said he will remain in Kyiv and noted that Russians “want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state”.
“The enemy has designated me as target number one, and my family as target number two,” Zelensky announced publicly.
Axios also reported that “Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the Ukrainian military to perform a coup against Zelensky and then negotiate with Russia”.
Despite his warning, Zelensky was seen in a video early Friday with four key cabinet members on the streets of Kyiv.
“We’re in here. We are in Kiev. We defend Ukraine,” he said in the video.
Zelensky had also posted a video shaming European leaders and the U.S. for their lack of involvement. “This morning, we are defending our country alone,” he said. “Just like yesterday, the most powerful country in the world looked on from a distance”.
The president mentioned multiple measures that have not yet been used against Russia, saying, “Visa cancellations for Russians, cutting them from SWIFT, a total isolation of Russia, recalling ambassadors, embargo on petroleum, imposing a no-fly zone, this must be in the table”.