Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the Russian invasion of his country as involving "the torture of the whole nation".

Speaking to CBS News through a translator, Zelensky said the people of Ukraine do not want to be subdued by Russia and are being destroyed and exterminated as a result.

Asked directly whether Russia's actions constitute genocide, he says: "Indeed, this is genocide. The elimination of the whole nation and the people. We are the citizens of Ukraine. We have more than 100 nationalities.

"This is about the destruction and extermination of all these nationalities."

BBC