KYIV, Aug 23 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke as Ukraine prepared to mark both its independence from Soviet rule in 1991
Zelenskiy, who has led his country's resistance since Russian troops crossed the border on February 24, also stated that Ukraine would reclaim control of the Crimea region.
Despite his defiance, Ukrainian and Western officials were concerned that Russia was planning another attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
The US believes Russia will target civilian and government infrastructure in the coming days. Citizens of the United States should leave Ukraine.
Russian forces carried out artillery and rocket strikes on the battlefields in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's military said fighting had erupted near Europe's largest nuclear power plant. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the plant strikes.
Meanwhile, leaders from dozens of countries and international organizations were participating in the so-called Crimea Platform, the majority of them via video conference.
Zelenskiy, dressed in his usual military garb, told delegates, "To overcome terror, victory in the fight against Russian aggression is required."
Acting Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy told the summit that Rome would continue to support Ukraine. "We stand with you in your fight against Russia's invasion."