WATCH: President Zelensky Turns Down US Offer To Leave, Street Fighting Begins In Kyiv | Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The President’s remarks came as Russian troops stormed toward Kyiv early Saturday as explosions reverberated through the city.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky | File Image: AFP

Kyiv: With Ukraine confronting Russian explosions and gunfire, President Volodymyr Zelensky has turned down the offer to evacuate Kyiv at the behest of the U.S. government.

The fight is here and that he needed anti-tank ammunition but not a ride, a senior American intelligence official with direct knowledge of the conversation quoted the Ukraine President as saying, AP reported.

The President’s remarks came as Russian troops stormed toward Kyiv early Saturday as explosions reverberated through the city.

Refusing the U.S. help to evacuate, he urged the country to stand firm against the siege that could determine its future and said the "fight is here".

The President appealed for a cease-fire and warned that multiple cities were under attack.

“This night we have to stand firm…The fate of Ukraine is being decided right now,” he said.

The Ukrainian president shot a selfie-style video to vow to stay and fight on.

"I am here. We will not lay down any weapons. We will defend our state because our weapons are our truth," he declared, denouncing claims that he had surrendered or fled.

He termed the speculation as disinformation.

Не вірте фейкам. pic.twitter.com/wiLqmCuz1p

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 26, 2022

 Kyiv Residents Asked To Seek Shelter As Street Fighting Begins

Kyiv officials have warned residents that street fighting is underway against Russian forces, the Associated Press reported.

According to AP, the warning issued Saturday advised residents to remain in shelters, to avoid going near windows or on balconies, and to take precautions against being hit by debris or bullets.

Earlier in the day, Russia attacked one of the military units on Victory Avenue in Kyiv.

Ukraine's army said the “attack was repulsed”, AP reported.

The army said on its verified Facebook page, but did not specify where exactly the incident took place.

Earlier, scores of casualties were reported in the fighting, which included shelling that sliced through a Kyiv apartment building and pummeled bridges and schools.

According to AP, the warning issued on Saturday advised the residents to remain in shelters, to avoid going near windows or on balconies and to take precautions against being hit by debris or bullets.

This took place amid growing signs that Russia may be seeking to overthrow Ukraine’s government, which the U.S. officials have described as Russian President Vladimir Putin's ultimate objective.

The U.S. defense officials are of the view that the Russian offensive has encountered considerable resistance and is proceeding slower than Moscow had envisioned, though that could change quickly.

The Kremlin accepted Kyiv’s offer to hold talks.

It, however, appeared to be an effort to squeeze concessions out of the embattled Ukraine President instead of a gesture toward a diplomatic solution.