Zelensky calls for global show of support behind Ukraine as NATO summit begins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a worldwide boost in support for Kyiv as NATO leaders take part in an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the war in Ukraine.

In his nightly video address to his nation and the world on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said, "Come to your squares, your streets. Make yourselves visible and heard. Say that people matter. Freedom matters. Peace matters. Ukraine matters."

Russia unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has been meet by unexpectedly strong pushback from Ukrainian forces – though it is unclear for how long the Ukrainian military, far outmatched in size and resources by Russia, will be able to hold the attackers off. 

In Russia, the country's government and economy continue to suffer under the weight of sanctions pouring in from nearly every corner of the globe. 

Zelenskyy, in his most recent video address, said he would ask NATO countries to issue "effective and unrestricted" support to Ukraine, including any weapons that may be needed by Kyiv. 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke prior to the start of the emergency summit on Thursday and said that the Russian invasion has effectively established a "new security reality in Europe" and that it will be "necessary to respond" in ways that match and counter the precedent seet by Russia last month.