Ukraine Crisis| Russians push toward Kyiv; residents take cover

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) —
Kyiv residents braced Saturday for another night sheltering underground, as Russian troops closed in on Ukraine's capital and skirmishes were reported on the outskirts.

Ukraine's leader, meanwhile, claimed the country's forces had repulsed the Russian assault, and he vowed to keep up the struggle and appealed for more help from the outside world.

“The real fighting for Kyiv is ongoing,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message in which he accused Russia of hitting infrastructure and civilian targets.

“We will win,” he said.

Central Kyiv appeared quiet on Saturday, though sporadic gunfire could be heard.

And fighting on the city's outskirts suggested that small Russian units were trying to clear a path for the main forces.

Britain's defence ministry said the bulk of Russian forces were 19 miles (30 kilometres) from the middle of the city.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko extended a curfew he imposed Thursday to run from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m.

He said all civilians on the street during the curfew will be considered members of the enemy's sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

Russia claims its assault on Ukraine is aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools and residential neighbourhoods have been hit since the invasion began Thursday with air and missile strikes and Russian troops entering Ukraine from the north, east and south.

Ukraine's health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, have been killed and more than 1,000 others have been wounded during Europe's largest land war since World War II.

It was unclear whether the figure included both military and civilian casualties.

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