Ukraine's Zelensky Urges Global Protests against Russia's War

In this image from video provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks from Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
In this image from video provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks from Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
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Ukraine's Zelensky Urges Global Protests against Russia's War

In this image from video provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks from Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
In this image from video provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks from Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, March 24, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday urged citizens around the world to take to the streets to stop Russia's invasion of his country.

"Come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom, to support life," Zelensky said in a video address in English. "Come to your squares, to your streets, make yourselves visible and heard."

In a passionate speech on the eve of a one-month anniversary of Russia's invasion, Zelensky urged people around the globe "to stand against the war starting from March 24... and after then" and speak up against Russia's bloody war, AFP said.

"Show your standing, come from your offices, your homes, your schools and your universities, come in the name of peace," Zelensky said.

"The world must stop the war."

Hundreds of civilians have been killed, hundreds more injured and over three million Ukrainians have fled their country since Russia invaded its neighbor on February 24 with the goal of thwarting its pro-Western course.



South Korea’s Yoon Defies Second Agency Summons over Martial Law

This handout from the South Korean Presidential Office taken on December 3, 2024 shows South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul. (Handout / South Korean Presidential Office / AFP)
This handout from the South Korean Presidential Office taken on December 3, 2024 shows South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul. (Handout / South Korean Presidential Office / AFP)
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South Korea’s Yoon Defies Second Agency Summons over Martial Law

This handout from the South Korean Presidential Office taken on December 3, 2024 shows South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul. (Handout / South Korean Presidential Office / AFP)
This handout from the South Korean Presidential Office taken on December 3, 2024 shows South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul. (Handout / South Korean Presidential Office / AFP)

South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol did not respond on Wednesday to a second summons by anti-corruption authorities who, along with prosecutors, are investigating his short-lived martial law decree issued early this month.

Yoon had not appeared for questioning as of 10 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Christmas Day as requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, after ignoring their first summons last week.

An agency official said it would continue waiting for Yoon on Wednesday, adding it would need to review the case further before seeking an arrest warrant, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon also did not respond on Dec. 15 to a separate summons by prosecutors who are investigating the martial law declaration, Yonhap said.

Yoon's repeated defiance of the summons and failures to appear for questioning have sparked criticism and calls from the opposition for his arrest, citing concerns over potential destruction of evidence.

In a televised address on Dec. 7, four days after the martial law declaration, Yoon said he would not evade legal and political responsibility for his actions.

Yoon was impeached by parliament on Dec. 14 over his brief imposition of martial law and must now face a Constitutional Court trial on whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers.

Prosecutors, the police and the corruption investigation office have all launched probes into Yoon and other officials, seeking to pursue charges of insurrection, abuse of power or other crimes.

Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

A lawyer advising Yoon has said he is willing to present his views in person during legal proceedings related to the martial law declaration.