President Zelenksy tells Russia to 'learn the words reparations and contributions'

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By stefan armitage

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As the crisis in Ukraine continues, President Volodymir Zelenksyy has sent a very clear message to Russia.

As reported by CNBC News, the Ukrainian leader delivered a video speech on social media on Thursday morning, in which she said Russia will "reimburse everything" in full, as fighting in the country continues.

Per NBC's translation, Zelenksyy said: "We will restore every house, every street, every city and we say to Russia: learn the word 'reparations' and 'contributions'."

"You will reimburse everything, everything you did against our country, against every Ukrainian — fully," Zelenksyy added.

In the address, Zelenksyy also said that it doesn't matter if Russian forces destroy all of Ukraine's cathedrals and churches, because they will never destroy the Ukrainian people's "sincere faith in God".

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine one week ago, there have been multiple reports and videos of airstrikes decimating the country.

Per BBC News, residential buildings, concert halls, government offices, television towers, and even a memorial to victims of the Holocaust have all been hit by Russian forces.

One resident of Kharkiv told the BBC: "It is exhausting and terrifying living under this pressure.

"And I am angry, because this is a big, beautiful city, my city, and they want to wipe it from the face of the Earth."

"They wanted to destroy us so many times. They couldn't. We've been through so much! And if someone thinks that, having overcome all this, Ukrainians will be frightened, broken or surrender — he knows nothing about Ukraine, and he has nothing to do in Ukraine," Zelensky added in his latest video message. "We have nothing to lose but our own freedom."

Additionally, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has released reports documenting 752 civilian casualties in Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's "special military operation".

The report adds that 227 civilian deaths have been recorded by the UN - with the actual number expected to be higher.

If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.

Featured image credit: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy