Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Ukrainian military to topple President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, via a coup d’etat.
Putin made the call on Friday, a day after Moscow launched an invasion of its southern neighbour.
“I once again appeal to the military personnel of the armed forces of Ukraine: do not allow neo-Nazis and (Ukrainian radical nationalists) to use your children, wives and elders as human shields,” Putin said at a televised meeting with Russia’s security council.
“Take power into your own hands, it will be easier for us to reach agreement.”
Putin added that Russian servicemen in Ukraine were acting “bravely, professionally and heroically.”
Russia, however, expressed readiness to send a delegation to the Belarusian capital Minsk for talks with Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this on Friday, a day after Moscow launched a massive invasion of its southern neighbour.
Peskov told Russian news agencies Russia was willing to send a delegation including foreign and defence ministry officials.
Ukraine has said it is willing to discuss declaring itself a neutral county. Peskov said demilitarisation would need to be an essential part of that.
