Ukraine's Zelenskyy tells Russia: Stop bombing before ceasefire talks can start

At least 136 civilians - including 13 children - have been killed since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last week

Zelenskiy said Ukraine would demand legally binding security guarantees if NATO shut the door on Ukraine's membership prospects. Picture: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday Russia must stop bombing Ukrainian cities before meaningful talks on a ceasefire could start, as a first round of negotiations this week had yielded scant progress.

Speaking in an interview in a heavily guarded government compound, Zelenskyy urged NATO members to impose a no fly zone to stop the Russian air force, saying this would be a preventative measure and not meant to drag the alliance into war with Russia.