Zelensky urges Ukrainians to take up arms as fighting in Kyiv escalates

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday urged citizens to take up arms to fight off Russia as violence between the two nations continues to escalate.

"Our military, our national guard, our national police, our territory defense, special service, nationals of Ukraine, please carry on. We will win. Glory to Ukraine," Zelensky said in a press briefing, according to The Guardian.

"The occupiers wanted to set up their puppet in our capital. They didn't succeed. On our streets, there was a proper fight going on," he reportedly continued. "The enemy was using all its weapons, artillery, paratroops, all its weapons. They are hitting residential areas, they are trying to destroy energy infrastructure, and everyone should help us to stop this occupation."

Reservists in Ukraine have also been prepared to take on Russia, with officials providing them with arms and Ukrainian television stations broadcasting details on how to make Molotov cocktails, according to CNN.

Due to the increased fighting, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry on Saturday reportedly encouraged civilians to take cover and "hide indoors."

"Active fighting is taking place on the streets of our city. Please stay calm and be as careful as possible!" the ministry wrote on its Facebook page Saturday, adding that people should "go immediately" to the nearest shelter if they hear sirens, according to CNN.

Zelensky on Saturday morning also posted a video to Twitter declaring that Ukraine will not give up its fight.

"I am here. We are not putting down arms. We will be defending our country, because our weapon is truth, and our truth is that this is our land, our country, our children, and we will defend all of this," Zelensky said in the video.